Thermal biology of the laboratory rat.

The purpose of this paper is to thoroughly review the literature and present a data base of the basic thermoregulatory parameters of the laboratory rat. This review surveys the pertinent papers dealing with various aspects of the thermal biology of the laboratory rat, including: metabolism, thermoneutrality, core and brain temperature, thermal tolerance, thermal conductance and insulation, thermoregulatory effectors (i.e., thermogenesis, peripheral vasomotor tone, evaporation, and behavior), thermal acclimation, growth and reproduction, ontogeny, aging, motor activity and exercise, circadian rhythm and sleep, gender differences, and other parameters. It is shown that many facets of the thermoregulatory system of the laboratory rat are typical to that of most homeothermic species. However, is several instances the rat exhibits unique thermoregulatory responses which are not comparable to other species.