Gabrielsen G W, Smith E N
Acta Physiol Scand. 1985 Apr;123(4):393-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1748-1716.1985.tb07605.x.
Heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature of four free-ranging American opossums, Didelphis marsupialis of both sexes (2.47 +/- 0.27 kg; mean +/- SE), were monitored during mild provocation and during death feigning ('play possum'). Mild provocations, caused by the approach of either man or dog, elicited a freezing response. The behavioural response was accompanied by a 12% decrease in heart rate (218 +/- 11 to 192 +/- 10 beats X min-1; mean +/- SE) and a 31% reduction in respiratory rate (26.7 +/- 1.7 to 18.4 +/- 1.4 breaths X min-1) from pre-stimulation values. Death feigning was induced by vigorous tactile stimulation by either investigator or dog. The response was marked by immobility, prone position and stiffness of the body. Mouth was open and the animal showed no response to touch or pinching. Death feigning was always accompanied by salivation, urination, defaecation and erection of the penis (in males). Heart rate decreased 46% (222 +/- 10.6 to 120 +/- 17 beats X min-1) and respiratory rate was reduced 30% (27.4 +/- 1.5 to 19.2 +/- 2.3 breaths X min-1) from pre-stimulation values. Body temperature dropped from 34.8 +/- 0.2 to 34.2 +/- 0.3 degrees C. During death feigning the animal was fully conscious as was evident by heart rate reduction during the re-approach of the dog. Atropine treatment had no obvious effect on behaviour but abolished the bradycardia when compared to pre-stimulus condition.
对四只自由放养的美洲负鼠（双性的北美负鼠，体重2.47±0.27千克；平均值±标准误）在轻度挑衅和装死（“装死”）期间的心率、呼吸频率和体温进行了监测。由人或狗靠近引起的轻度挑衅引发了僵住反应。行为反应伴随着心率从刺激前的值下降12%（从218±11降至192±10次/分钟；平均值±标准误）以及呼吸频率降低31%（从26.7±1.7降至18.4±1.4次/分钟）。装死由研究者或狗进行强烈的触觉刺激诱导。该反应的特征是不动、俯卧姿势和身体僵硬。嘴巴张开，动物对触摸或捏掐无反应。装死总是伴随着流涎、排尿、排便以及雄性阴茎勃起。心率从刺激前的值下降46%（从222±10.6降至120±17次/分钟），呼吸频率降低30%（从27.4±1.5降至19.2±2.3次/分钟）。体温从34.8±0.2摄氏度降至34.2±0.3摄氏度。在装死期间，动物完全清醒，这从狗再次靠近时心率降低可以明显看出。与刺激前状态相比，阿托品治疗对行为没有明显影响，但消除了心动过缓。
