Changes in rat ventral caudal nerve conduction velocity during cold exposure.

PETAJAN, JACK H. Changes in rat w&-al cuudal nem conduction &city during cold exposm. Am. J. Physiol. 214(l): 130-132. 1968.-Conduction velocity of the ventral caudal nerve was determined in vivo in two groups of rats previously adapted to 2 and 5 C, respectively, Study of the relation between conduction velocity and tail temperature discloses a decrease in velocity most noticeable at lvarmer temperatures, above 20 C, as has been previously reported. However, continued exposure of the animals to cold results in recovery of nerve function to the normal state. It is suggested that impairment in function and subsequent recovery are part of the adaptation process.