Cecal Enlargement,Cardiac Output,and O 2 Consumption in Germfree Rats ∗

Abstract

Summary

Germ free rats have cardiac output and O₂ consumption values respectively 30% and 24% lower than found in comparable conventional rats. Surgical removal of the enlarged cecum typical for these animals resulted in cardiac output values similar to those obtained with conventional rats, while O₂ consumption increased significantly to levels only slightly lower than seen in the conventional control group. No significant difference in body temperature was found between comparable groups of germfree and conventional rats.