**3.1. Body mass**

During the eight days of experimentation, body mass doesn't change significantly in the control group. Body weight loss represented 5.77 ± 0.05 % in *Meriones* treated with Cd (expressed in % of initial body weight). A higher significant increase in body weight loss (16 ± 0.19 % of initial body weight) was observed following 8 days of water restriction. The body weight loss (19.34 ± 0.29 %) is greater in the *Meriones* group both water-deprived and treated with Cd.
