Thermogenesis during ultrasonic vocalization by rat pups isolated in a warm environment: A thermographic analysis

摘要: Ultrasonic vocalizations, emitted by rat pups when separated from their mother, littermates, and home cage, have been used as a measure of isolation distress. Recently, we demonstrated that cold exposure is the primary component induces vocalization. We were unable, however, to suppress all ultrasound production transferring thermoneutral(35"C) environment. Using an infrared thermography system allows us estimate noninvasively heat brown adipose tissue, found transferred nest 3YC test chamber exhibited sizable levels while they vocalizing. Moreover, both emission decreased over 15-min test. Next, extreme care minimize thermal, therefore respiratory, stimulation before, during, after transfer procedure. such precautions prevented following transfer. These results indicate infant rats' thermal sensitivities are far greater than previously suspected. 0 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.