The effect of relative humidity on osmoregulation in the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) |
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Authors: | K E Friedl W N Holmes |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Biological Sciences, University of California, 93106 Santa Barbara, California, USA |
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Abstract: | Osmoregulatory balance was studied in four young, tamed squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus, Columbia) after acclimatization to relative humidities (rh) commonly used in laboratories (30% and 50%) and to higher humidities
representative of the dry and wet seasons in their natural environment (75% and 95%). The temperature was constant at 25°C
and the light-dark cycle was 12:12 hours. The animals were maintained in large metabolism cages and were free moving. Water
consumption and urine flow rates increased at each higher humidity from 30% rh to 75% rh and then decreased at 95% rh (p<0.05). Fecal water loss was greater with higher humidity (p<0.05). Evaporative water loss remained relatively constant until a break between 75% and 95% rh, at which point it decreased
dramatically (p<0.05). Expressed relative to total water intake, evaporative water loss demonstrated a progressive decrease with increasing
humidity: 65%, 56%, 51%, and 42%, at 30%, 50%, 75%, and 95% rh. This indicates that as the humidity approaches maximum saturation,
not only is the evaporative water loss component necessarily diminished, but also the apparent precipitation of alternate
strategies of thermoregulation leads to a reduction in the overall water requirements of the animals. Potassium/sodium excretion
ratios were relatively constant at 30%, 50%, and 95% rh but decreased significantly at 75% rh (p<0.05). As a reflection of adrenocorticosteroid activity, this suggests that at 25°C, 75% rh is an optimal humidity in the
maintenance of squirrel monkeys. The significant osmoregulatory alteration occurring between 75% and 95% rh provides further
evidence that relative humidity may be an important factor in the seasonal physiological cycles of the squirrel monkey.
In conducting the research described in this report the investigators adhered to the “Guide for Laboratory Animal Facilities
and Care,” as promulgated by the Committee on the Guide for Laboratory Animal National Academy of Sciences, National Research
Council. |
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Keywords: | Humidity Osmoregulation Water balance Squirrel monkey Saimiri sciureus Urinary electrolytes |
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