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ABSTRACT
Global climate change is predicted to lead to increased temperatures and more extreme climatic events. However, little is known about the effects of rising temperatures on immunity, where the immune system is directly exposed to external temperature change. This paucity of research in the differential immune and renal responses in heat adapted experimental models necessitated this study. The present study investigated the differential immune and renal responses in heat exposed wistar rats. 30 wistar rats, weighing 190 – 245g, were randomly divided into a control and two experimental groups. The experimental groups were exposed to heat duration for 5 hours for 14 and 28 days respectively. Data was analysed using statistical software version 5.0. The results revealed that WBC and lymphocytes in heat adapted wistar rats for 5 hours’ exposure showed a slight decrease at 14 days and 28 days compared with control respectively. Monocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils showed an increase at 14 days compared with control. Also, urea, creatinine and potassium showed a an increase after exposure for 5 hours. In conclusion, the decreased lymphocyte and increased monocyte counts coupled with urea and creatinine with altered electrolyte balance could be acute consequences of prolonged heat exposure in wistar rats. However, the propensity of adaptability seems to be a positive physiological response with prolonged exposure.
