![Biology ETDs](../../assets/md5images/a563920e7512eef976725168976b1d16.jpg)
Biology ETDs
Publication Date
12-9-1975
Abstract
The black-tailed prairie dog, Cynomys ludovicianus, was described by the early naturalists and explorers as inhabiting an area ranging from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Although their habitat varies in environmental extremes, little is known of the physiological responses of this species. Most investigations concerning them have dealt with their possible role as disease vectors, their effects on agriculture and livestock management, and the structure of their social organization. The purpose of the following studies is to contribute to the basic knowledge of the physiological responses of Cynomys ludovicianus. The experiments include radio-telemetering of body-core temperatures at low ambient temperatures and the investigation of isolated heart activity at varied environmental temperatures. Small radio-transmitters were surgically implanted in the abdominal cavity of five experimental animals. Animals were subsequently placed in outdoor cages for a period of one month, followed by housing in individual cages in a cold room for one month. Body temperatures and environmental temperatures were monitored every six hours for the two month period. The body temperature of one animal approached ambient temperature and returned to control temperature during outdoor and cold room caging. Following the body temperature studies, animals were sacrificed, the hearts removed and cannulated, and placed in a perfusion chamber. Continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings were made while the perfused hearts were maintained for 30 min to 60 min at each of four temperatures, 35, 20, 10, and 7 C. Each of the hearts had a response to lowered temperature similar to the response reported for mammalian hibernators.
Project Sponsors
N.A.S.A. grant NCA2-OR510-502
Language
English
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Biology
Level of Degree
Masters
Department Name
UNM Biology Department
First Committee Member (Chair)
Marvin LeRoy Riedesel
Second Committee Member
Delphi M. Toth
Third Committee Member
David Landau
Recommended Citation
Thomas, Trent H.. "Radio-Telemetry of Body Temperature of Prairie Dogs, Cynomys ludovicianus, and Response of Isolated Perfused Hearts to Temperature." (1975). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/biol_etds/573