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

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