Microcalorimetric investigations of the energy metabolism of some reptiles

Abstract Energy metabolism of 16 lacertide lizards and 12 snakes was investigated by means of two Calvet microcalorimeters. Heat production is compared with oxygen consumption, rendering a value near to the theoretical value (19.3 J ml oxygen) predicted for food mainly composed of lipids and proteins. Electrical stimulation of some of the experimental lizards and snakes showed burst-off behaviour and a strong increase in anaerobic metabolism with a consequent compensation of the oxygen debt. The experiments are discussed in connection with the usual indirect calorimetry.