Carbohydrate Metabolism in the Rat Exposed to a Low Environmental Temperature

Abstract

The glycogen content of the heart, liver, diaphragm and fat tissue from perirenal and interscapular regions of rats acclimatized to cold (1-3[degree]C) is less than that found in comparable rats kept at room temp. Glycogen content of the skeletal muscles, and blood-sugar concns. of the 2 groups are not significantly different. Cold-acclimatized rats show a greater fall in blood sugar concn. after insulin than rats kept at room temp. These results are believed to be due to the elevated metabolic rate of the cold-acclimatized animals, with an associated increased utilization of carbohydrate.