[Ultradian respiratory rhythms in groups of Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes].

Spectral analysis of the carbon dioxide emitted in controlled environmental conditions (temperature: 20-21 degrees C; humidity: 50-60%; lighting: 150 lux in LD12-12; background noise: 70 dB), by groups of 14 month old Sprague Dawleys, shows ultradian respiratory rates with periods of a 107-72 minute range for males and 107-45 minute for females. Moreover, VCO2 related to body weight is higher in females than in males.