Abstract
Summary
As a consequence of hypothermia in the rat (15°C rectal temperature), there are significant increases in hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, serum total protein and albumin concentrations and in the serum albumin:globulin ration. Hypothermia does not alter erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration or mean corpuscular hemoglobin content. These observations are discussed in relation to the causes of the increased hematocrit. In addition, the hypothermic rat has a leukopenia with a relative decrease in neutrophiles and a relative increase in lymphocytes.
The author is indebted to Mr. T. Orme for valuable technical assistance.
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