Body temperature regulation in rats near term of pregnancy.

Experiments were carried out to define the effects of pregnancy on body temperature (Tb) regulation in rats. Tb was measured by biotelemetry in six animals from day 10 of pregnancy (term day 21) to postpartum day 10. Average 24-h Tb decreased from day 15 of gestation to the time of parturition. Furthermore, there was a loss of the normal circadian variation of Tb late in gestation, which was again present by postpartum day 2. The decrease in 24-h Tb on day 15 of gestation resulted from this loss of circadian variation, as Tb did not increase during the dark period. The further decrease in Tb on day 20 of gestation resulted from an overall decrease in Tb during the light and dark periods as well as from a loss of the circadian variation in Tb. Tb increased dramatically within 4 h of birth of the first pup, which always occurred on day 21 during the light period. The mechanisms responsible for these dramatic changes in thermoregulation during late gestation and around the time of parturition are presently unknown.