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PubMed1998

[The effect of temperature and humidity on breath samples. Measurement of breath ethanol concentration in artificially respirated patients].

UNLABELLED: When looking for the possible cause of distortions in values measured for the determination of breath ethanol concentration (BEC) in artificially respirated patients, consideration must be given to the humidity and temperature of the gas examined. In the present study, the effects of humidified and warmed and of dry and cold air on the accuracy of a newly developed BEC measuring device, as compared to a reference model and to a conventional system, were examined in a lung model. METHODS: A temperature-regulated pediatric incubator was used containing a 10 I gas reservoir and a breath humidifier with temperature regulated water bath. This setup provided constant temperature and humidity in the gas examined during measurement period. In the 'expiration' the air was directed from the breath humidifier through a measuring unit via a 'mouthpiece' into the reference system (Alcotest 7110, Dräger Inc., Lübeck) and then out. The measuring unit consisted of sensors for the temperature and relative humidity, and of a connector for the three sample extraction systems (PES). PES I was the conventional system with a 100-cm gas-sample pipe (Alcomed 3010), PES II the newly developed system (AlcoMed 3011, both from Envitec, Wismar) with a 10-cm gas-sample pipe, and PES III with a 20-cm heated gas-sample pipe. During 'inspiration' 2 l of air was fed into the system to rinse the measuring unit and to fill the reservoir. 61 measurements were performed with dry and cold air, and 71 with humidified and warmed air, in the course of which the ethanol concentration was increased from 0 to 1.5/1000. Data were evaluated using regression analysis and the Bland & Altman method. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The constancy of the values set for temperature, relative humidity and absolute humidity in the lung model was given for all measurements. In the dry and cold air, the results from all three test systems coincided almost perfectly with the reference values. The measured BEC in the humidified and warmed air using sample-extraction systems II and III corresponded to a high degree with the reference, while in the case of PES I, only a moderate linear correlation was achieved. The temperature and humidity of the expired gas during artificial respiration influence the gas samples extracted for the purposes of BEC measurement. Newly developed sample-extraction systems II and III coincide with the reference system, even under respiration-simulated gas conditions.

Breath Tests↗
PubMed2006

Alterations in health examination items and skin symptoms from exposure to ultra-low humidity.

OBJECTIVES: Several lines of evidence have shown that insufficient humidity could result in health problems but no studies have been performed in ultra-low humidity (ULH) environments. The aims of this study are to investigate the health examination items alterations and skin symptoms of workers exposed to ULH environment based on a longitudinal study design. METHODS: Twelve male ULH (RH = 1.5%) workers and 12 age-sex-matched reference workers were selected. The examination items in blood and urine as well as the skin problems were compared between ULH workers and controls, and between ULH workers in 2000 and 2003. Biochemistry analysis of blood and urine were implemented from annual health examinations. Information on skin symptoms and diseases were obtained from a structured questionnaire in 2000 and 2003. RESULTS: The alterations in mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and total cholesterol in blood analysis and only sediment-WBC in urine analysis were found significantly different in 2000. These changes were almost fully recovered in 2003 although a consistently significant elevation in the urine specific gravity was found during the 3-year follow-up period. Skin disorders, however, showed an earlier elevated itching symptom in lower limb and pretibial that developed to physician-diagnosed contact dermatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term ULH exposure could cause progressive pathological changes in the skin and urine concentration elevation. Because low humidity condition occurs frequently in air-conditioned buildings, the findings of this study suggest the population long-term exposed to low humidity should be cautious about health manifestations living in a low humidity environment. While the indoor environment is equipped with an air-conditioner, continuous monitoring on the humidity is recommended.

Air Conditioning↗
PubMed2005

High humidity represses Cf-4/Avr4- and Cf-9/Avr9-dependent hypersensitive cell death and defense gene expression.

Gene-for-gene resistance is a well-known type of plant disease resistance. It is governed by plant resistance (R) genes and their matching pathogen avirulence (Avr) genes. This resistance is characterized by a hypersensitive response (HR) resulting from the interaction between products of a complementary R and Avr gene pair. The pathosystem of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and its leaf mold fungal pathogen Cladosporium fulvum is a model system to study gene-for-gene resistance. HR occurs in tomato seedlings carrying a tomato Cf resistance gene and a matching C. fulvum Avr gene, including, for example, Cf-4/Avr4 and Cf-9/Avr9. Employing Cf/Avr tomato seedlings that both express a Cf gene and the matching Avr gene, here we report that both Cf-4/Avr4- and Cf-9/Avr9-dependent HR is delayed and reduced under high humidity (95%), and that Cf-9/Avr9-dependent HR is more sensitive to high humidity when compared to Cf-4/Avr4-dependent HR. Furthermore, high humidity acts synergistically with high temperature on HR suppression, resulting in complete blocking of the HR. The transcript profile of over 60 genes, related to HR, signaling and defense, in Cf/Avr seedlings grown under high humidity and thus showing no HR, significantly differed from that of the same seedlings grown under normal humidity and thus showing HR. These results demonstrate that high humidity probably acts at a very early point of the Cf downstream signaling pathway, or alternatively influences the interaction between the Cf and the Avr proteins.

Cell Death↗
PubMed2004

Effects of humid heat exposure in later sleep segments on sleep stages and body temperature in humans.

This study sought to investigate the effects of humid heat exposure in later sleep segments on sleep stages and body temperature in humans. The subjects were eight healthy males, from whom informed consent had been obtained. The experiments were carried out under three different sets of conditions: a control climate [air temperature (Ta)=26 degrees C, relative humidity (RH)=50%] (C); a humid heat climate (Ta=32 degrees C, RH=80%) (H); and a humid heat exposure in later sleep segments (C for the first 3 h 45 min, followed by a 30-min transition to H, which was then maintained for the last 3 h 45 min) (C-H). Electroencephalogram, EOG, and mental electromyogram, rectal temperature (Tre), and skin temperature (Tsk) were continuously measured. The total amount of wakefulness was significantly increased in H compared to C-H or C. Compared to C, wakefulness in C-H and H was significantly increased during later sleep segments. Tre and mean Tsk were significantly higher in H than in C-H or C. In C-H, Tsk and Tre increased to levels equal to those observed in H after Ta and RH increase. Whole body sweat loss was significantly lower in C-H and C than in H. These results suggest that humid heat exposure in the later sleep segment reduces thermal load as compared to full-night humid heat exposure. In daily life, the use of air conditioning in the initial sleep hours can protect sleep and thermoregulation.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Effects of relative humidity and temperature conditions on pollen fluorochromatic reaction of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae).

Mediterranean ecosystems are characterized by seasonal and annual fluctuations in humidity and temperature which are considered limiting factors for plant growth and might have played a key role in the selection of species that compose the present vegetation. After anther release, pollen is generally exposed to various changes of temperature and humidity conditions, therefore its viability and consequently successful fruit set are strongly affected by these environmental parameters. The aim of this research was to study the effect of different combinations of humidity and temperature on pollen membrane integrity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. in order to investigate possible relations between pollen features and climatic conditions during flowering. This species is an evergreen perennial shrub, occurring among the sclerophyllous vegetation of Mediterranean maquis. In many areas of Southern Italy, it shows a flowering period starting from the beginning of winter and spreading throughout spring months. The analysis of data showed that duration of pollen viability of R. officinalis is enhanced by the co-occurrence of low temperature and high humidity. Moreover, these conditions are able to newly raise the viability of pollen kept at higher temperatures and lower humidity. These observations indicate that reactivation of the pollen membrane depends on low temperature apart from high humidity. Therefore "vernalization" of rosemary pollen enhances its viability, supporting that pollen behavior is adapted to winter condition and allows flowering in winter and early spring.

Humidity↗
PubMed1977

Effects of dry and humid climates on exercise-induced asthma in children and preadolescents.

Among factors which possibly influence the responses of asthmatic children to exercise, climate has received little attention. This study was performed to determine whether the level of air humidity is a factor to be considered. Twenty asthmatic (extrinsic perennial) girls and boys, 6 to 14 yr of age, with unverified history of exercise-induced asthma (EIA) took part. They rested and exercised in a climatic chamber in dry (25% relative humidity) and humid (90%) sessions at 25 degrees to 26 degrees C. One to three weeks separated the sessions, the order of which was counterbalanced. No changes in pulmonary functions (FVC, FEV 1.0, MMEF, MBC) were found following a sitting period of 60 min in either climate. Five and ten minutes following the treadmill run, however, bronchoconstriction was distinctly more pronounced in the dry than in the humid climate. Exercise heart rate and the subjective rating of effort were not affected by climate. It was concluded that, under the above experimental conditions, EIA is more likely in dry air than in humid air, possibly due to heat loss at the airway mucosa caused by evaporation. High humidity of inspired air could be the reason why EIA is less prevalent in swimming, as compared with other modes of exercise.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Effects of relative humidity and buffer additives on the contact printing of microarrays by quill pins.

DNA microarrays printed with quill pins exhibit significant variation in probe DNA spots. Interspot variations and nonuniform distribution of probe within spots are major sources of experimental uncertainty in microarray analysis. To gain better insight into the sources of variation, we analyzed 450 consecutive depositions printed at relative humidities between 40 and 80% using three print buffers. Increasing relative humidity improved printing performance by delaying pin failure but did not reduce the variability in spot characteristics. Adding either betaine or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to the print buffer also improved quill pin performance. Least interspot variation was observed with the DMSO additive printed at 80% relative humidity, but this additive also resulted in the greatest intraspot variation. Least intraspot variation was observed with 1.5M betaine printed at 60% relative humidity, but these conditions produced microarrays with high interspot variability. Evaporation of printing solution from the quill reservoir appeared to be the primary cause of interspot and intraspot variations. Our studies indicate that relative humidity and printing solution additives reduce evaporation. Based on the spot variability requirements for a particular application, humidity and additives may be chosen to optimize either inter- or intraspot variability.

Buffers↗
PubMed1999

Repeated 4-week inhalation exposure of rats: effect of low-, intermediate, and high-humidity chamber atmospheres.

A subacute nose-only inhalation study with low (approximately 3%), medium (approximately 40%), and high humidity (approximately 80%) has been performed on young adult Wistar rats. Exposure was 6-hr/day on 5 days/week for 4 consecutive weeks. Rats housed individually in the animal holding room, deprived of feed and water during exposure of the remaining groups, served as concurrent controls (sham controls). This study served the purpose to assess whether toxicologically significant effects occur when rats are repeatedly exposed to lower or higher humidity chamber atmospheres than proposed by current testing guidelines. For analysis, conventional end-points as required by common testing guidelines were considered, i.e., clinical observations before and after exposure, rectal temperatures, body weights, feed and water consumption. At the end of the 4-week exposure period, ophthalmological and gross pathological examinations were made and major organ weights determined. The histopathological examinations comprised the nasal cavities, larynx, trachea, and lungs. There was no apparent evidence of humidity-related effects on nose-only exposed rats. When compared with non-exposed sham controls, however, body weights, water and feed consumption were markedly reduced in all nose-only exposure groups. In summary, it can be concluded that rats tolerated either humidity atmosphere without any specific effects. As far as there were differences to sham controls they appear to be more controlled by the differences in the exposure patterns (nose-only versus normal housing) than differences in the humidity of chamber atmospheres. Thus, deviations of current testing guidelines for repeated exposure inhalation studies with regard to humidity, do not appear to have any appreciable impact on the study outcome.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1996

Effects of temperature and humidity on the performance of polymer-coated surface acoustic wave vapor sensor arrays.

The influences of temperature and atmospheric humidity on the performance of an array of eight polymer-coated 158-MHz surface acoustic wave vapor sensors were investigated. Sensitivities to the seven organic vapors examined all exhibited negative Arrhenius temperature dependencies, with responses increasing by factors of 1.5-4.4 on going from 38 to 18 degrees C. The magnitudes of the temperature effects, while generally similar, differed sufficiently among certain sensor-vapor combinations to cause marked changes in vapor response patterns. In addition, it was found that operating identically coated sensors at different temperatures could provide a means for discriminating certain vapors. The changes in sensor responses with temperature agreed reasonably well with those expected assuming ideal vapor sorption behavior and indicated that changes in the moduli of the sensor coatings were not important mediating factors. Responses to relative humidity (RH) from 0 to 85% RH were important even for the nonpolar sensor coatings. Significant changes in the sensitivities to the organic vapors were observed as a function of atmospheric humidity for several sensor-vapor combinations, which, in turn, affected the patterns of responses obtained from the sensor array. Results indicate that small changes in temperature or humidity have a larger effect on baseline stabilities than on the responses to the vapors. Monte Carlo simulations of sensor responses show that the ability to discriminate vapors in binary and ternary mixtures using a four-sensor array remains high regardless of the operating temperature and ambient humidity, provided that temperature-or humidity-induced changes in the response patterns are taken into account.

Acoustics↗
PubMed2003

Influence of environmental humidity and dietary protein on pyramidal growth of carapaces in African spurred tortoises (Geochelone sulcata).

The carapaces of captive-raised tortoises (terrestrial chelonians of the zoological family Testudinidae, often develop pyramidal-shaped osseous growth centrally within the horny plates. With very few exceptions (e.g. Geochelone elegans, Psammobates sp.), this conical growth pattern is considered to be pathologic. This very common defect is believed to be an important indicator of the quality of captive tortoise management. This study was designed to examine the effect of dietary protein level and environmental humidity on the degree of pyramidal growth in the carapaces. Fifty recently hatched African spurred tortoises (G. sulcata) were raised for 5 months under artificial conditions of varying environmental humidity and dietary protein content (14% vs. 19% vs. 30% crude protein in dry matter). Humps of the carapaces that developed and blood values of calcium, phosphorus and haematocrit were measured and compared among groups. Dry environmental conditions (24.3-57.8% and 30.6-74.8% relative humidity) produced taller humps than humid conditions (45-99% relative humidity). Hump formation differed significantly (p < or = 0.001) between these three groups kept under different humidity conditions. Variable dietary protein had a minor, positive impact on this pathological formation of humps (pyramidal growth syndrome, PGS). Analysis of blood (calcium, phosphorus and haematocrit) offered no further explanation as to the development of the humps.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1998

[Measurement of the humidity of inspired air in ventilated patients with various humidifer systems].

INTRODUCTION: Humidification of inspired gas in artificially ventilated patients positively influences mucociliary function and secretolysis. We performed this study to examine the properties of heat and moisture exchangers in comparison with hot water humidifiers and dry artificial ventilation. METHODS: We measured inspired humidity with a special sensor in 41 patients after coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass. Three Heat and Moisture Exchangers (HME) and a hot water humidifier were used to humidity the inspired gas of artificially ventilated patients. Humidity measurements were compared. RESULTS: Hot water humidifiers produced the highest humidification (average of 38.4 mg/l, 37-43 mg/l); lowest humidification was produced by dry artificial ventilation (average of 8.7 mg/l, 6-11 mg/l). Heat and moisture exchangers (HME) produced humidity between 24 and 36 mg/l. Highest humidification was produced by HME hygrobac s (average of 32.2 mg/l, 31-36 mg/l) and hygrovent s (average of 31.4 mg/l, 29-35 mg/l); lowest humidification was produced by HME hygroster (average of 28.6 mg/l, 24-31 mg/l). Multifactorial analysis shows a significant impact of the humidification method on the humidity of inspired gas. The multiple comparison procedure (Tukey) shows significant differences (alpha = 0.05) between all humidification techniques on inspired gas except the heat and moisture exchangers hygrobac s and hygrovent s. CONCLUSIONS: Hygrobac s and hygrovent s may be an alternative to hot water humidifiers. Further clinical studies of HMEs and hot water humidifiers will be necessary to evaluate the influence of inspired gas humidity on the outcome of artificially ventilated patients.

Air↗
PubMed2005

Effects of temperature and humidity on the development of eggs of Toxocara canis under laboratory conditions.

The influence of temperature and humidity on the survival and development of Toxocara canis eggs in an in vitro model system was investigated. Two soil samples were inoculated with T. canis eggs and maintained at 3% and 50% humidity and temperatures of 19-24 degrees C. Nine soil samples were inoculated with T. canis eggs of which three samples were kept at 4 degrees C with humidities at 3%, 15%, and 30%; three were maintained at 21 degrees C and three more were incubated at 34 degrees C, and at the same three humidity levels. Samples were monitored every 7 days for a total of 2 months, for the presence and development of eggs. With increasing temperature, the number of eggs undergoing development increased (P<0.01); the number of deformed eggs decreased, the number of infective eggs increased (P<0.01), and egg maturation was accelerated. A decrease in the survival of infective eggs occurred at 34 degrees C. An increase in humidity produced a rise in the number of developed eggs at all three temperatures (P<0.01). This study suggests that elevated temperatures accelerated the development as well as the degradation of eggs of T. canis, whereas the range in humidity was directly correlated with egg development.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

An evaluation of the response of some portable, direct-reading 10.2 eV and 11.8 eV photoionization detectors, and a flame ionization gas chromatograph for organic vapors in high humidity atmospheres.

Three portable, direct-reading instruments were tested to evaluate their ability to detect organic vapors in high humidity atmospheres. The instruments included two photoionization detectors (10.2 eV and 11.8 eV), and an organic vapor analyzer with a flame ionization detector. The organic vapors used were hexanes, 1,1-dichloroethane, chloroform, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, benzene, toluene and chlorobenzene. Relatively impervious gas bags were used to contain atmospheres of low (zero) and high (90 percent) relative humidities for comparisons. The response of the organic vapor analyzer was practically independent of humidity. The responses of the photoionization detectors were influenced by high humidity even though the 10.2 eV lamp did not detect water vapor itself. The photoionization detectors were adjudged to be unsuitable for quantitative sampling of humid confined spaces since the 11.8 eV lamp was sensitive to water vapor and the 10.2 eV lamp showed unpredictable response factors in high humidity.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMed1990

Effects of humidity and contaminant concentration on respirator cartridge breakthrough.

A model described previously was developed further to examine the effect of both test humidity and contaminant assault concentration on respirator cartridge service life. The model emphasized the characterization of cartridge performance in the range of 0% to 50% breakthrough. This study specifically addressed a contaminant concentration range of 250-2000 ppm and test humidities ranging from 0% to 80%. The preconditioning humidity was fixed at 50%. The compounds studied were benzene and methyl chloroform. Two parameters, k' and tau, were described and values of these parameters were determined for each of several different sets of experimental conditions. The determined values of k' and tau were applied using derived expressions to generate each of several complete breakthrough curves for benzene and for methyl chloroform at specified contaminant assault concentrations and test humidities. The effect of humidity on the value of an additional theoretical parameter, a, was investigated. Values of this parameter and the parameters, k and K", were determined for specific test conditions. These values were substituted into pertinent expressions to produce a complete set of breakthrough curves (each curve corresponding to a particular contaminant assault concentration) for a given compound at a fixed test humidity. Several examples of breakthrough curves were generated for methyl chloroform. The results derived from the study agreed with corresponding experimental data.

Equipment Failure↗
PubMed2003

Effect of humidity on aerosolization of micronized drugs.

The variation of aerosolization with humidity for three micronized drugs used in the treatment of asthma was evaluated by using in vitro methods. Micronized samples of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG), salbutamol sulphate, and triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) were stored for 12hr at 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75% relative humidity (RH). A suitable "reservoir" dry powder inhaler was loaded and tested by using a twin-stage impinger at each specific humidity. The aerosolization efficiency of all three micronized drugs was affected by variations in humidity. The percentage of the delivered dose and the fine particle fraction of the loaded dose (FPFLD) for both DSCG and salbutamol sulphate decreased with increasing humidity; with the largest decrease in FPFLD occurring between 45% and 60% RH for DSCG and 60% to 75% RH for salbutamol sulphate. These observations suggest that the adhesion properties for both DSCG and salbutamol sulphate, which govern the aerosolization efficiency, are predominately influenced by capillary interactions. In contrast, the FPFLD for TAA significantly increased as the humidity increased over the range 15% to 75% RH, suggesting that triboelectric forces predominate particle-particle interactions. These variations in drug particulate behavior highlight the importance of an individual formulation approach when developing dry powder inhalation systems.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed2005

It's not the heat, it's the humidity: wet weather increases legionellosis risk in the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area.

BACKGROUND: Legionella species are abundant in the environment and are increasingly recognized as a cause of severe pneumonia. Increases in cases of community-acquired legionellosis in the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area (GPMA) led to concern that changing environmental factors could influence occurrence of disease. METHODS: We evaluated the association between weather patterns and occurrence of legionellosis in the GPMA, using both traditional Poisson regression analysis and a case-crossover study approach. The latter approach controls for seasonal factors that could confound the relationship between weather and occurrence of disease and permits the identification of acute weather patterns associated with disease. RESULTS: A total of 240 cases of legionellosis were reported between 1995 and 2003. Cases occurred with striking summertime seasonality. Occurrence of cases was associated with monthly average temperature (incidence rate ratio [IRR] per degree Celsius, 1.07 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.09]) and relative humidity (IRR per 1% increase in relative humidity, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.06-1.12]) by Poisson regression analysis. However, case-crossover analysis identified an acute association with precipitation (odds ratio [OR], 2.48 [95% CI, 1.30-3.12]) and increased humidity (OR per 1% increase in relative humidity, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.05-1.11]) 6-10 days before occurrence of cases. A significant dose-response relationship for occurrence of cases was seen with both precipitation and increased humidity. CONCLUSIONS: Although, in the GPMA, legionellosis occurred predominantly during summertime, the acute occurrence of disease is best predicted by wet, humid weather. This finding is consistent with the current understanding of the ecological profile of this pathogen and supports the contention that sporadic legionellosis occurs through contamination of water sources.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Tracheal damage following conventional and high-frequency ventilation at low and high humidity.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the degree of tracheobronchial damage in newborn lambs ventilated for 6 hrs with relative humidities of 30% or 90% and continuous positive airway pressure breathing, conventional mechanical ventilation of 25 and 60 breaths/min, or high frequency flow-interrupted ventilation at 600 breaths/min. BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Tracheobronchial damage secondary to mechanical ventilation remains a major iatrogenic lesion of the newborn despite substantial advances in both mechanical design and ventilatory techniques. A histologic scoring system was used to compare the damage noted in the tracheobronchial epithelium of newborn lambs after 6 hrs of conventional mechanical ventilation or high-frequency flow-interrupted ventilation at two relative humidities. Three groups of animals were ventilated for 6 hrs with an FIO2 of 0.21 at 36.0 degrees C and relative humidity of 90%. The first group received continuous positive airway pressure of 4 cm H2O, the second group received slow rate, conventional mechanical ventilation at 25 breaths/min, and the third group received fast rate, conventional mechanical ventilation at 60 breaths/min. Two other groups of animals were ventilated for 6 hrs with an FIO2 of 0.21 at 36.0 degrees C and relative humidity of 30%. The first group was ventilated with high-frequency flow-interrupted ventilation at 600 breaths/min and the second group with slow rate, conventional mechanical ventilation at 25 breaths/min. Two additional groups served as nonintubated controls; one group was killed immediately after sedation and the other group was killed after 6 hrs of sedation. RESULTS: The damage was mild but significantly different from controls when 90% humidity was used and there was no difference in the histology score between continuous positive airway pressure breathing and conventional mechanical ventilation at 25 or 60 breaths/min. Significant inflammation, erosion, necrosis, and blistering occurred with both conventional mechanical ventilation at 25 breaths/min and high-frequency flow-interrupted ventilation at 600 breaths/min when 30% humidity was used. The damage was only found 5 mm below the tip of the endotracheal tube and not at 3.5 cm beyond the endotrachea tube in the trachea nor in the right main bronchus. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, regardless of the method of ventilation, cause damage to the tracheal mucosa, but that poorly humidified inspired gases cause significantly greater damage.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Pineal gland and humidity effects on testicular function of the Indian palm squirrel, Funambulus pennanti.

The effect of two different conditions of humidity (80 +/- 5% and 40 +/- 5%) under stimulatory photoperiod (14L/10D) and high temperature (38 +/- 2 degrees C) was studied on the testes and accessory sex organs of the Indian palm squirrel, Funambulus pennanti, during the sexually active phase. High humidity (80 +/- 5%) reduced significantly the testes weight of the sham-operated animals as compared to the controls under natural environmental conditions but had no effect on that of pinealectomized animals. Moderate humidity (40 +/- 5%) did not affect the testes of sham-operated as well as pinealectomized animals, as compared to the respective controls. The seminal and prostatic weights showed no significant difference in high or moderate humidity conditions. However, the epididymal weight of the animals exposed to high humidity was significantly reduced in sham-operated animals only. Thus, these results indicate that the pineal gland may be implicated in mediating the humidity information to control the male gonadal function in the Indian palm squirrel, Funambulus pennanti.

Animals↗