Influence of Temperature on Development of Rigor Mortis in Dog Hearts.

• The effects of temperature on the development of rigor mortis in cardiac muscle have never been investigated systematically. Brecher and Kissen found that pressure-volume characteristics of non-beating, submerged dog ventricles remained constant for at least 30 minutes following circulatory arrest at 35°C. Using similar methods, Griggs et al. found this period to be approximately 80 minutes at 36°C and 300 minutes at 5°C. These and other related studies of rigor mortis" were not primarily directed at the effects of varying temperature under controlled conditions. We have therefore adapted the technique of Brecher and Kissen to permit systematic investigation of tlie effects of temperature on the onset and development of rigor mortis in dog hearts. This study provides a background for future investigations in which the time limits for development of rigor mortis must be known.