[Annual cycle of oxygen consumption (QO 2) in a hibernating animalthe garden dormouse: reduction of the QO 2 and hypothermia following fasting].

A circannual cycle of oxygen consumption (QO2) was observed in active garden dormice maintained during 19 months under external conditions for temperature and lighting. QO2 was minimum in october and maximum in may. In the same animals deprivation of food induced hypothermia and a 23% decrease in QO2 which always preceeded hypothermia. No circannual rhythm was noted in the amplitude of this reduction.