Red cell changes in heat-acclimated golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus): Endocrine studies

1. 1. Chronic heat exposure of golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) augments the osmotic fragility and lowers the ATP content of the red blood cells. These changes may be secondary to the well-documented endocrinological adaptations reported in heat acclimation, namely hypothyroidism and hyperaldosteronism. 2. 2. Administration of triiodothyronine (T₃) to heat-acclimated hamsters did not reverse these changes. 3. 3. Prolonged administration of aldosterone to control hamsters did not induce these changes. 4. 4. Potassium levels in the plasma and red blood cells were unaffected by chronic heat exposure. 5. 5. It is concluded that RBC changes in heat-exposed hamsters are a direct result of the thermal stress.