METABOLIC EFFECTS OF UREA ADMINISTRATION ON ACUTE HYPOTHERMIA IN RATS
Acute hypothermia (15 °C rectal temperature) has been induced in fasted rats with and without prior intraperitoneal administration of urea. In the hypothermic animal, not given urea, blood glucose and pH were significantly decreased; blood lactic acid, inorganic phosphorus, and packed cell volume were significantly increased; no alterations occurred in blood levels of pyruvic acid, total acid-soluble phosphorus, urea, nor amino nitrogen. Prior administration of urea prevented significant alterations of blood glucose and lactic acid in the cooled animal. In the non-cooled animal, urea treatment resulted in elevated blood glucose levels. These effects are discussed in relation to the beneficial action of urea in permitting successful resuscitation and survival in a normal condition of rats cooled to rectal temperatures of 0–3 °C.