Neither rats nor mice have a broad thermoneutral zone: implications for physiological studies
Abstract
effect) and increased physical activity. Interestingly, the remaining EE is lower, demonstrating acute thermal adaptation with a reduced basal metabolic rate. In conclusion, rats are less cold-sensitive and more prone to overheating than mice. Despite their larger size, rats, like mice, have a TNP and not a broad TNZ. Studying rats and mice at a Ta of 28-29 °C is a sensible compromise that safely minimizes cold-induced thermogenesis while reducing the risk of heat stress.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Adipose Tissue and Metabolism
Bat Biology and Ecology Studies
High Altitude and Hypoxia
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Communications Biology
- Publisher
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC
- Volume
- 9
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 256–256
- Publication date
- 16 January 2026
- Language
- EN