Effet d'une carence hydrique prolongée sur la croissance pondérale et sur le métabolisme hydrique chez un rongeur Gerbillidé (Meriones shawi shawi)

Abstract

Summary. Effect of prolonged water deprivation on weight gain and water metabolism in sub-desert rodents (Meriones shawi shawil.The effect of prolonged water deprivation, applied progressively since weaning, was studied on body weight in growing sub-desert rodents (Meriones shawi l . Then, water metabolism, food consumption and kidney weight were measured in these adults animals.During partial water deprivation the weight curve was similar to that of controls, whereas with total water deprivation three different stages were noticed : a decrease, a stabilization and an increase in body weight as a function of age.At the end of the experiment, the body water volume was similar in dehydrated and in control animals. However, in water deprived animals, there was a lower rate of water influx and efflux compared to controls. Their food consumption was two-fold that of controls. Dehydrated meriones showed a significant increase in kidney weight as compared to controls.Introduction.

Water balance and food consumption in dehydrated growing jirds (Meriones shawi shawi)

“…The changes in body weight under prolonged dehydration previously studied in growing Meriones shawi shawi (Sahni et al 1987) are related to the changes in food intake demonstrated in the present study. Despite a reduction in food intake, the animals subjected to partial water deprivation showed an increase in their body weight in the same proportion as hydrated animals.…”

“…In previous work (Sahni et al 1987) w e have shown that prolonged dehydration during growth alters body weight. O n the other hand, w e have also demonstrated that adult jirds deprived of water since weaning are able to maintain their water balance in equilibrium.…”