Acute heat stress induces jumping escape behavior in mice

Abstract: A new heat escape behavior was revealed in mice (ddY mice) under acute heat stress conditions. Mice in a fully covered cage were exposed to 24, 34, 37 and 38.5 °C for 60 min. Rectal temperature increased in conditions above 34 °C. Furthermore, serum osmolality and body weight loss also increased in conditions above 37 °C. At above 37 °C, a large number of mice attempted to escape from the partially covered cage, and so exhibited jumping behavior during a period of 60 min. However, mice exposed to 24 and 34 °C did not exhibit such behavior. These results indicated that acute heat stress above 37 °C induced evaporative water loss and jumping escape behavior in mice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]