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Hoops D, Kyne R, Salameh S, MacGowan D, Avramescu RG, Ewing E, He AT, Orsini T, Durand A, Popescu C, Zhao JM, Shatz K, Li L, Carroll Q, Liu G, Paul MJ, Flores C. The scheduling of adolescence with Netrin-1 and UNC5C. eLife 2024; 12:RP88261. [PMID: 39056276 PMCID: PMC11281785 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Dopamine axons are the only axons known to grow during adolescence. Here, using rodent models, we examined how two proteins, Netrin-1 and its receptor, UNC5C, guide dopamine axons toward the prefrontal cortex and shape behaviour. We demonstrate in mice (Mus musculus) that dopamine axons reach the cortex through a transient gradient of Netrin-1-expressing cells - disrupting this gradient reroutes axons away from their target. Using a seasonal model (Siberian hamsters; Phodopus sungorus) we find that mesocortical dopamine development can be regulated by a natural environmental cue (daylength) in a sexually dimorphic manner - delayed in males, but advanced in females. The timings of dopamine axon growth and UNC5C expression are always phase-locked. Adolescence is an ill-defined, transitional period; we pinpoint neurodevelopmental markers underlying this period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hoops
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill UniversityMontréalCanada
- Douglas Mental Health University InstituteMontréalCanada
| | - Robert Kyne
- Neuroscience Program, University at BuffaloSUNYUnited States
| | - Samer Salameh
- Douglas Mental Health University InstituteMontréalCanada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill UniversityMontrealCanada
| | - Del MacGowan
- Douglas Mental Health University InstituteMontréalCanada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill UniversityMontrealCanada
| | - Radu Gabriel Avramescu
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill UniversityMontréalCanada
- Douglas Mental Health University InstituteMontréalCanada
| | - Elise Ewing
- Douglas Mental Health University InstituteMontréalCanada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill UniversityMontrealCanada
| | - Alina Tao He
- Douglas Mental Health University InstituteMontréalCanada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill UniversityMontrealCanada
| | - Taylor Orsini
- Douglas Mental Health University InstituteMontréalCanada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill UniversityMontrealCanada
| | - Anais Durand
- Douglas Mental Health University InstituteMontréalCanada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill UniversityMontrealCanada
| | - Christina Popescu
- Douglas Mental Health University InstituteMontréalCanada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill UniversityMontrealCanada
| | - Janet Mengyi Zhao
- Douglas Mental Health University InstituteMontréalCanada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill UniversityMontrealCanada
| | - Kelcie Shatz
- Department of Psychology, University at BuffaloSUNYUnited States
| | - LiPing Li
- Department of Psychology, University at BuffaloSUNYUnited States
| | - Quinn Carroll
- Department of Psychology, University at BuffaloSUNYUnited States
| | - Guofa Liu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of ToledoToledoUnited States
| | - Matthew J Paul
- Neuroscience Program, University at BuffaloSUNYUnited States
- Department of Psychology, University at BuffaloSUNYUnited States
| | - Cecilia Flores
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill UniversityMontréalCanada
- Douglas Mental Health University InstituteMontréalCanada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill UniversityMontréalCanada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics & Mental Health, McGill UniversityMontréalCanada
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2
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Ma Y, Chen Y, Li Y, Chen S, Zhu C, Liu Q, Li L, Cao H, Wu Z, Dong W. Seasonal modulation of the testis transcriptome reveals insights into hibernation and reproductive adaptation in Onychostoma macrolepis. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2024:10.1007/s10695-024-01335-4. [PMID: 38649597 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-024-01335-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The Onychostoma macrolepis have a unique survival strategy, overwintering in caves and returning to the river for reproduction in summer. The current knowledge on the developmental status of its testes during winter and summer is still undiscovered. We performed RNA-seq analysis on O. macrolepis testes between January and June, using the published genome (NCBI, ASM1243209v1). Through KEGG and GO enrichment analysis, we were able to identify 2111 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and demonstrate their functions in signaling networks associated with the development of organism. At the genomic level, we found that during the overwintering phase, genes associated with cell proliferation (ccnb1, spag5, hdac7) were downregulated while genes linked to testicular fat metabolism (slc27a2, scd, pltp) were upregulated. This indicates suppression of both mitosis and meiosis, thereby inhibiting energy expenditure through genetic regulation of testicular degeneration. Furthermore, in January, we observed the regulation of autophagy and apoptosis (becn1, casp13), which may have the function of protecting reproductive organs and ensuring their maturity for the breeding season. The results provide a basis for the development of specialized feed formulations to regulate the expression of specific genes, or editing of genes during the fish egg stage, to ensure that the testes of O. macrolepis can mature more efficiently after overwintering, thereby enhancing reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yining Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoxian Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Qimin Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Long Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Heran Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Zifang Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Wuzi Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Hoops D, Kyne RF, Salameh S, MacGowan D, Avramescu RG, Ewing E, He AT, Orsini T, Durand A, Popescu C, Zhao JM, Schatz KC, Li L, Carroll QE, Liu G, Paul MJ, Flores C. The scheduling of adolescence with Netrin-1 and UNC5C. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.01.19.521267. [PMID: 36711625 PMCID: PMC9882376 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.19.521267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine axons are the only axons known to grow during adolescence. Here, using rodent models, we examined how two proteins, Netrin-1 and its receptor, UNC5C, guide dopamine axons towards the prefrontal cortex and shape behaviour. We demonstrate in mice ( Mus musculus ) that dopamine axons reach the cortex through a transient gradient of Netrin-1 expressing cells - disrupting this gradient reroutes axons away from their target. Using a seasonal model (Siberian hamsters; Phodopus sungorus ) we find that mesocortical dopamine development can be regulated by a natural environmental cue (daylength) in a sexually dimorphic manner - delayed in males, but advanced in females. The timings of dopamine axon growth and UNC5C expression are always phase-locked. Adolescence is an ill-defined, transitional period; we pinpoint neurodevelopmental markers underlying this period.
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4
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Haugg E, Borner J, Stalder G, Kübber‐Heiss A, Giroud S, Herwig A. Comparative transcriptomics of the garden dormouse hypothalamus during hibernation. FEBS Open Bio 2024; 14:241-257. [PMID: 37925593 PMCID: PMC10839406 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Torpor or heterothermy is an energy-saving mechanism used by endotherms to overcome harsh environmental conditions. During winter, the garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) hibernates with multiday torpor bouts and body temperatures of a few degrees Celsius, interrupted by brief euthermic phases. This study investigates gene expression within the hypothalamus, the key brain area controlling energy balance, adding information on differential gene expression potentially relevant to orchestrate torpor. A de novo assembled transcriptome of the hypothalamus was generated from garden dormice hibernating under constant darkness without food and water at 5 °C. Samples were collected during early torpor, late torpor, and interbout arousal. During early torpor, 765 genes were differentially expressed as compared with interbout arousal. Twenty-seven pathways were over-represented, including pathways related to hemostasis, extracellular matrix organization, and signaling of small molecules. Only 82 genes were found to be differentially expressed between early and late torpor, and no pathways were over-represented. During late torpor, 924 genes were differentially expressed relative to interbout arousal. Despite the high number of differentially expressed genes, only 10 pathways were over-represented. Of these, eight were also observed to be over-represented when comparing early torpor and interbout arousal. Our results are largely consistent with previous findings in other heterotherms. The addition of a transcriptome of a novel species may help to identify species-specific and overarching torpor mechanisms through future species comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Haugg
- Institute of NeurobiologyUlm UniversityGermany
| | - Janus Borner
- Sackler Institute for Comparative GenomicsAmerican Museum of Natural HistoryNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Gabrielle Stalder
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife EcologyUniversity of Veterinary MedicineViennaAustria
| | - Anna Kübber‐Heiss
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife EcologyUniversity of Veterinary MedicineViennaAustria
| | - Sylvain Giroud
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife EcologyUniversity of Veterinary MedicineViennaAustria
- Energetics Lab, Department of BiologyNorthern Michigan UniversityMarquetteMIUSA
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5
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Diedrich V, Haugg E, Van Hee J, Herwig A. Role of glucose in daily torpor of Djungarian hamsters ( Phodopus sungorus): challenge of continuous in vivo blood glucose measurements. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2023; 325:R359-R379. [PMID: 37519255 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00040.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Djungarian hamsters use daily torpor to save energy during winter. This metabolic downstate is part of their acclimatization strategy in response to short photoperiod and expressed spontaneously without energy challenges. During acute energy shortage, torpor incidence, depth, and duration can be modulated. Torpor induction might rely on glucose availability as acute metabolic energy source. To investigate this, the present study provides the first continuous in vivo blood glucose measurements of spontaneous daily torpor in short photoperiod-acclimated and fasting-induced torpor in long photoperiod-acclimated Djungarian hamsters. Glucose levels were almost identical in both photoperiods and showed a decrease during resting phase. Further decreases appeared during spontaneous daily torpor entrance, parallel with metabolic rate but before body temperature, while respiratory exchange rates were rising. During arousal, blood glucose tended to increase, and pretorpor values were reached at torpor termination. Although food-restricted hamsters underwent a considerable energetic challenge, blood glucose levels remained stable during the resting phase regardless of torpor expression. The activity phase preceding a torpor bout did not reveal changes in blood glucose that might be used as torpor predictor. Djungarian hamsters show a robust, circadian rhythm in blood glucose irrespective of season and maintain appropriate levels throughout complex acclimation processes including metabolic downstates. Although these measurements could not reveal blood glucose as proximate torpor induction factor, they provide new information about glucose availability during torpor. Technical innovations like in vivo microdialysis and in vitro transcriptome or proteome analyses may help to uncover the connection between torpor expression and glucose metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Haugg
- Institute of Neurobiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Justin Van Hee
- Data Sciences International, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
| | - Annika Herwig
- Institute of Neurobiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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6
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Kissmann AK, Rosenau F, Herwig A, Diedrich V. Short Photoperiod-Dependent Enrichment of Akkermansia spec. as the Major Change in the Intestinal Microbiome of Djungarian Hamsters (Phodopus sungorus). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076605. [PMID: 37047584 PMCID: PMC10095574 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus) is a prominent model organism for seasonal acclimatization, showing drastic whole-body physiological adjustments to an energetically challenging environment, which are considered to also involve the gut microbiome. Fecal samples of hamsters in long photoperiod and again after twelve weeks in short photoperiod were analyzed by 16S-rRNA sequencing to evaluate seasonal changes in the respective gut microbiomes. In both photoperiods, the overall composition was stable in the major superordinate phyla of the microbiota, with distinct and delicate changes of abundance in phyla representing each <1% of all. Elusimicrobia, Tenericutes, and Verrucomicrobia were exclusively present in short photoperiod hamsters. In contrast to Elusimicrobium and Aneroplasma as representatives of Elusimicrobia and Tenericutes, Akkermansia muciniphila is a prominent gut microbiome inhabitant well described as important in the health context of animals and humans, including neurodegenerative diseases and obesity. Since diet was not changed, Akkermansia enrichment appears to be a direct consequence of short photoperiod acclimation. Future research will investigate whether the Djungarian hamster intestinal microbiome is responsible for or responsive to seasonal acclimation, focusing on probiotic supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Kissmann
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Frank Rosenau
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Annika Herwig
- Institute of Neurobiology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Victoria Diedrich
- Institute of Neurobiology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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7
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Xu W, Cui Y, Guo D, Wang W, Xu H, Qiao S, Yu H, Ji E, Liu Y, Li Q. UPLC-MS/MS simultaneous quantification of urinary circadian rhythm hormones and related metabolites: Application to air traffic controllers. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2023; 1222:123664. [PMID: 37040674 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2023.123664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Civil aviation flight crew and civil aviation air traffic controllers are prone to circadian rhythm abnormalities, which can lead to a slew of other maladies. It could endanger people's health and provide a serious threat to the safety of civil aviation flights if it is not appropriately evaluated and addressed. Early detection of rhythm irregularities and prompt treatment for particular populations that are vulnerable to rhythm disorders are crucial for enhancing civil aviation safety. In general, monitoring of the classical circadian rhythm biomarkers (melatonin or cortisol) in plasma or saliva is an effective way to evaluate the rhythm status. Due to the challenging sample procedure and the trauma of plasma, urine sample testing has received an increasing amount of attention. While, urine circadian rhythm biomarkers have seldom been examined, and the relationship between urinary steroid hormones and melatonin is still poorly understood. In most cases, hormones are determined by immunoassays respectively, mainly enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or radioimmunoassay (RIA). There are also reports describing the liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technique as a method of melatonin or few steroid hormones quantification, however, the simultaneous detection of multiple rhythmic hormones in human urine is rarely reported. For the quantification of the rhythmic hormones in human urine, an accurate approach using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was devised in this work. Nine endogenous hormones (melatonin, 6-hydroxymelatonin, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, cortisol, corticosterone, cortisone, testosterone, epitestosterone and androsterone), in human overnight urine, were quantified after solid phase extraction (SPE). A reverse phase HSS C18 column was used for chromatographic separation with a 9-minute gradient elution and deuterated analogues of each analyte were applied as internal standards. This method was successfully applied to the analysis of 596 overnight urine samples (23:00-9:00) collected from 84 air traffic controllers in the Beijing area during shift work. This study's findings showed a clear correlation not only between melatonin and its metabolites; cortisol-related metabolites, but also between melatonin metabolites and endogenous metabolites upstream and downstream of cortisol, implying that these two categories of hormones can be used as potential biological rhythm indicators to provide circadian rhythm data support for future studies on circadian rhythm disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhe Xu
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 100123, China
| | - Yujing Cui
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 100123, China
| | - Danming Guo
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 100123, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 100123, China
| | - Haishan Xu
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 100123, China
| | - Shi Qiao
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 100123, China
| | - Hongyan Yu
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 100123, China
| | - Enhui Ji
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 100123, China
| | - Yongsuo Liu
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 100123, China
| | - Qingyan Li
- Civil Aviation Medical Center, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 100123, China
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Andreotti S, Altmüller J, Quedenau C, Borodina T, Nouailles G, Teixeira Alves LG, Landthaler M, Bieniara M, Trimpert J, Wyler E. De Novo Whole Genome Assembly of the Roborovski Dwarf Hamster (Phodopus roborovskii) Genome, an Animal Model for Severe/Critical COVID-19. Genome Biol Evol 2022; 14:6626084. [PMID: 35778793 PMCID: PMC9254642 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evac100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Roborovski dwarf hamster Phodopus roborovskii belongs to the Phodopus genus, one of seven within Cricetinae subfamily. Like other rodents such as mice, rats or ferrets, hamsters can be important animal models for a range of diseases. Whereas the Syrian hamster from the genus Mesocricetus is now widely used as a model for mild to moderate COVID-19, Roborovski dwarf hamster show a severe to lethal course of disease upon infection with the novel human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Andreotti
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Institute of Computer Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 9, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Janine Altmüller
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne. Present address: Scientific Genomics Platforms, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Quedenau
- Scientific Genomics Platforms, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tatiana Borodina
- Scientific Genomics Platforms, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Geraldine Nouailles
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Division of Pulmonary Inflammation, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luiz Gustavo Teixeira Alves
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Hannoversche Str 28, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Landthaler
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Hannoversche Str 28, 10115 Berlin, Germany.,Institut für Biologie, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Philippstraße 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maximilian Bieniara
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Institute of Computer Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 9, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jakob Trimpert
- Institut für Virologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Emanuel Wyler
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Hannoversche Str 28, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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9
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Dumbell R. An appetite for growth: The role of the hypothalamic - pituitary - growth hormone axis in energy balance. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13133. [PMID: 35474620 PMCID: PMC9285760 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Links between the regulation of growth and energy balance are clear; to fuel growth, there must be consumption of energy. Therefore, it is perhaps intuitive that interactions between the hypothalamic - pituitary - growth hormone axis (growth axis) and pathways that drive metabolic processes exist. Overproduction of growth hormone has been associated with diabetes and metabolic disease for decades and the opposing effects of growth hormone and insulin have been studied since early experiments almost a century ago. The relationship between neuroendocrine axes can be complex and the growth axis is no exception, interacting with energy balance in several organ systems, both in the periphery and centrally in hypothalamic nuclei. Much is known about peripheral interactions between growth axis hormones and processes such as glucose homeostasis and adipogenesis. More is still being learned about the molecular actions of growth axis hormones in adipose and other metabolically active tissues, and recent findings are discussed in this perspective. However, less is known about interactions with central energy balance pathways in the hypothalamus. This perspective aims to summarise what is known about these interactions, taking lessons from human studies and animal genetic and seasonal models, and discusses what this may mean in an evolving landscape of personalised medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Dumbell
- School of Science and Technology, Department of BiosciencesNottingham Trent UniversityNottinghamUK
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10
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Przybylska-Piech AS, Jefimow M. Siberian hamsters nonresponding to short photoperiod use fasting-induced torpor. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:275527. [PMID: 35615921 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Nonresponding Siberian hamsters Phodopus sungorus do not develop the winter phenotype with white fur, low body mass (mb) and spontaneous torpor use in response to short photoperiod. However, their thermoregulatory response to fasting remains unknown. We measured body temperature and mb of 12 nonresponders acclimated to short photoperiod and then to cold, and fasted four times for 24h. Four individuals used torpor and in total we recorded 19 torpor bouts, which were shallow, short, and occurred at night. Moreover fasting increased the heterothermy index in all hamsters. Low mb was not a prerequisite for torpor use and mb loss correlated with neither heterothermy index nor torpor use. This is the first evidence that individuals which do not develop the winter phenotype, can use torpor or increase body temperature variability to face unpredictable, adverse environmental conditions. Despite the lack of seasonal changes, thermoregulatory adjustments may increase winter survival probability of nonresponders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Przybylska-Piech
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Ecology; Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, ul. Lwowska 1, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Jefimow
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, ul. Lwowska 1, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
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11
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Dardente H, Simonneaux V. GnRH and the photoperiodic control of seasonal reproduction: Delegating the task to kisspeptin and RFRP-3. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13124. [PMID: 35384117 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Synchronization of mammalian breeding activity to the annual change of photoperiod and environmental conditions is of the utmost importance for individual survival and species perpetuation. Subsequent to the early 1960s, when the central role of melatonin in this adaptive process was demonstrated, our comprehension of the mechanisms through which light regulates gonadal activity has increased considerably. The current model for the photoperiodic neuroendocrine system points to pivotal roles for the melatonin-sensitive pars tuberalis (PT) and its seasonally-regulated production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), as well as for TSH-sensitive hypothalamic tanycytes, radial glia-like cells located in the basal part of the third ventricle. Tanycytes respond to TSH through increased expression of thyroid hormone (TH) deiodinase 2 (Dio2), which leads to heightened production of intrahypothalamic triiodothyronine (T3) during longer days of spring and summer. There is strong evidence that this local, long-day driven, increase in T3 links melatonin input at the PT to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) output, to align breeding with the seasons. The mechanism(s) through which T3 impinges upon GnRH remain(s) unclear. However, two distinct neuronal populations of the medio-basal hypothalamus, which express the (Arg)(Phe)-amide peptides kisspeptin and RFamide-related peptide-3, appear to be well-positioned to relay this seasonal T3 message towards GnRH neurons. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the cellular, molecular and neuroendocrine players, which keep track of photoperiod and ultimately govern GnRH output and seasonal breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugues Dardente
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Valérie Simonneaux
- Institute for Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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12
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Haugg E, Borner J, Diedrich V, Herwig A. Comparative transcriptomics of the Djungarian hamster hypothalamus during short photoperiod acclimation and spontaneous torpor. FEBS Open Bio 2022; 12:443-459. [PMID: 34894101 PMCID: PMC8804604 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The energy-saving strategy of Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus, Cricetidae) to overcome harsh environmental conditions comprises of behavioral, morphological, and physiological adjustments, including spontaneous daily torpor, a metabolic downstate. These acclimatizations are triggered by short photoperiod and orchestrated by the hypothalamus. Key mechanisms of long-term photoperiodic acclimatizations have partly been described, but specific mechanisms that acutely control torpor remain incomplete. Here, we performed comparative transcriptome analysis on hypothalamus of normometabolic hamsters in their summer- and winter-like state to enable us to identify changes in gene expression during photoperiodic acclimations. Comparing nontorpid and torpid hamsters may also be able to pin down mechanisms relevant for torpor control. A de novo assembled transcriptome of the hypothalamus was generated from hamsters acclimated to long photoperiod or to short photoperiod. The hamsters were sampled either during long photoperiod normothermia, short photoperiod normothermia, or short photoperiod-induced spontaneous torpor with a body temperature of 24.6 ± 1.0 °C, or. The mRNA-seq analysis revealed that 32 and 759 genes were differentially expressed during photoperiod or torpor, respectively. Biological processes were not enriched during photoperiodic acclimatization but were during torpor, where transcriptional and metabolic processes were reinforced. Most extremely regulated genes (those genes with |log2(FC)| > 2.0 and padj < 0.05 of a pairwise group comparison) underpinned the role of known key players in photoperiodic comparison, but these genes exhibit adaptive and protective adjustments during torpor. Targeted analyses of genes from potentially involved hypothalamic systems identified gene regulation of previously described torpor-relevant systems and a potential involvement of glucose transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Haugg
- Institute of NeurobiologyUlm UniversityGermany
| | - Janus Borner
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation GenomicsUlm UniversityGermany
- Sackler Institute for Comparative GenomicsAmerican Museum of Natural HistoryNew YorkNYUSA
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13
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Haugg E, Herwig A, Diedrich V. Body Temperature and Activity Adaptation of Short Photoperiod-Exposed Djungarian Hamsters ( Phodopus sungorus): Timing, Traits, and Torpor. Front Physiol 2021; 12:626779. [PMID: 34305626 PMCID: PMC8294097 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.626779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To survive the Siberian winter, Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) adjust their behavior, morphology, and physiology to maintain energy balance. The reduction of body mass and the improvement of fur insulation are followed by the expression of spontaneous daily torpor, a state of reduced metabolism during the resting phase to save additional energy. Since these complex changes require time, the upcoming winter is anticipated via decreasing photoperiod. Yet, the extent of adaptation and torpor use is highly individual. In this study, adaptation was triggered by an artificially changed light regime under laboratory conditions with 20°C ambient temperature and food and water ad libitum. Two approaches analyzed data on weekly measured body mass and fur index as well as continuously recorded core body temperature and activity during: (1) the torpor period of 60 hamsters and (2) the entire adaptation period of 11 hamsters, aiming to identify parameters allowing (1) a better prediction of torpor expression in individuals during the torpor period as well as (2) an early estimation of the adaptation extent and torpor proneness. In approach 1, 46 torpor-expressing hamsters had a median torpor incidence of 0.3, covering the spectrum from no torpor to torpor every day within one representative week. Torpor use reduced the body temperature during both photo- and scotophase. Torpor was never expressed by 14 hamsters. They could be identified by a high, constant body temperature during the torpor period and a low body mass loss during adaptation to a short photoperiod. Already in the first week of short photoperiod, approach 2 revealed that the hamsters extended their activity over the prolonged scotophase, yet with reduced scotophase activity and body temperature. Over the entire adaptation period, scotophase activity and body temperature of the scoto- and photophases were further reduced, later accompanied by a body mass decline and winter fur development. Torpor was expressed by those hamsters with the most pronounced adaptations. These results provide insights into the preconditions and proximate stimuli of torpor expression. This knowledge will improve experimental planning and sampling for neuroendocrine and molecular research on torpor regulation and has the potential to facilitate acute torpor forecasting to eventually unravel torpor regulation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Haugg
- Institute of Neurobiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Annika Herwig
- Institute of Neurobiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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14
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Piscitiello E, Herwig A, Haugg E, Schröder B, Breves G, Steinlechner S, Diedrich V. Acclimation of intestinal morphology and function in Djungarian hamsters ( Phodopus sungorus) related to seasonal and acute energy balance. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:jeb232876. [PMID: 33376143 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.232876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Small mammals exhibit seasonal changes in intestinal morphology and function via increased intestine size and resorptive surface and/or nutrient transport capacity to increase energy yield from food during winter. This study investigated whether seasonal or acute acclimation to anticipated or actual energetic challenges in Djungarian hamsters also resulted in higher nutrient resorption capacities owing to changes in small intestine histology and physiology. The hamsters show numerous seasonal energy-saving adjustments in response to short photoperiod. As spontaneous daily torpor represents one of these adjustments related to food quality and quantity, it was hypothesized that the hamsters' variable torpor expression patterns are influenced by their individual nutrient uptake capacity. Hamsters under short photoperiod showed longer small intestines and higher mucosal electrogenic transport capacities for glucose relative to body mass. Similar observations were made in hamsters under long photoperiod and food restriction. However, this acute energetic challenge caused a stronger increase of glucose transport capacity. Apart from that, neither fasting-induced torpor in food-restricted hamsters nor spontaneous daily torpor in short photoperiod-exposed hamsters clearly correlated with mucosal glucose transport capacity. Both seasonally anticipated and acute energetic challenges caused adjustments in the hamsters' small intestine. Short photoperiod appeared to induce an integration of these and other acclimation processes in relation to body mass to achieve a long-term adjustment of energy balance. Food restriction seemed to result in a more flexible, short-term strategy of maximizing energy uptake possibly via mucosal glucose transport and reducing energy consumption via torpor expression as an emergency response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliana Piscitiello
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Annika Herwig
- Institute of Neurobiology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Elena Haugg
- Institute of Neurobiology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Bernd Schröder
- Institute of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Gerhard Breves
- Institute of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephan Steinlechner
- Department of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Victoria Diedrich
- Institute of Neurobiology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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15
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Shi Z, Qin M, Huang L, Xu T, Chen Y, Hu Q, Peng S, Peng Z, Qu LN, Chen SG, Tuo QH, Liao DF, Wang XP, Wu RR, Yuan TF, Li YH, Liu XM. Human torpor: translating insights from nature into manned deep space expedition. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 96:642-672. [PMID: 33314677 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During a long-duration manned spaceflight mission, such as flying to Mars and beyond, all crew members will spend a long period in an independent spacecraft with closed-loop bioregenerative life-support systems. Saving resources and reducing medical risks, particularly in mental heath, are key technology gaps hampering human expedition into deep space. In the 1960s, several scientists proposed that an induced state of suppressed metabolism in humans, which mimics 'hibernation', could be an ideal solution to cope with many issues during spaceflight. In recent years, with the introduction of specific methods, it is becoming more feasible to induce an artificial hibernation-like state (synthetic torpor) in non-hibernating species. Natural torpor is a fascinating, yet enigmatic, physiological process in which metabolic rate (MR), body core temperature (Tb ) and behavioural activity are reduced to save energy during harsh seasonal conditions. It employs a complex central neural network to orchestrate a homeostatic state of hypometabolism, hypothermia and hypoactivity in response to environmental challenges. The anatomical and functional connections within the central nervous system (CNS) lie at the heart of controlling synthetic torpor. Although progress has been made, the precise mechanisms underlying the active regulation of the torpor-arousal transition, and their profound influence on neural function and behaviour, which are critical concerns for safe and reversible human torpor, remain poorly understood. In this review, we place particular emphasis on elaborating the central nervous mechanism orchestrating the torpor-arousal transition in both non-flying hibernating mammals and non-hibernating species, and aim to provide translational insights into long-duration manned spaceflight. In addition, identifying difficulties and challenges ahead will underscore important concerns in engineering synthetic torpor in humans. We believe that synthetic torpor may not be the only option for manned long-duration spaceflight, but it is the most achievable solution in the foreseeable future. Translating the available knowledge from natural torpor research will not only benefit manned spaceflight, but also many clinical settings attempting to manipulate energy metabolism and neurobehavioural functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Shi
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychaitry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.,Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China.,State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Meng Qin
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Lu Huang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Qin Hu
- College of Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100024, China
| | - Sha Peng
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China
| | - Zhuang Peng
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China
| | - Li-Na Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Shan-Guang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Qin-Hui Tuo
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China
| | - Duan-Fang Liao
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychaitry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Ren-Rong Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychaitry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Ti-Fei Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China
| | - Ying-Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Xin-Min Liu
- Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China.,State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, 100094, China.,Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100193, China
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16
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Trimpert J, Vladimirova D, Dietert K, Abdelgawad A, Kunec D, Dökel S, Voss A, Gruber AD, Bertzbach LD, Osterrieder N. The Roborovski Dwarf Hamster Is A Highly Susceptible Model for a Rapid and Fatal Course of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108488. [PMID: 33271063 PMCID: PMC7674129 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has precipitated an unprecedented and yet-unresolved health crisis worldwide. Different mammals are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2; however, few species examined so far develop robust clinical disease that mirrors severe human cases or allows testing of vaccines and drugs under conditions of severe disease. Here, we compare the susceptibilities of three dwarf hamster species (Phodopus spp.) to SARS-CoV-2 and introduce the Roborovski dwarf hamster (P. roborovskii) as a highly susceptible COVID-19 model with consistent and fulminant clinical signs. Particularly, only this species shows SARS-CoV-2-induced severe acute diffuse alveolar damage and hyaline microthrombi in the lungs, changes described in patients who succumbed to the infection but not reproduced in any experimentally infected animal. Based on our findings, we propose the Roborovski dwarf hamster as a valuable model to examine the efficacy and safety of vaccine candidates and therapeutics, particularly for use in highly susceptible individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Trimpert
- Institut für Virologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | - Kristina Dietert
- Institut für Tierpathologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Tiermedizinisches Zentrum für Resistenzforschung, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Azza Abdelgawad
- Institut für Virologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dusan Kunec
- Institut für Virologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon Dökel
- Institut für Tierpathologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Voss
- Institut für Tierpathologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Achim D Gruber
- Institut für Tierpathologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luca D Bertzbach
- Institut für Virologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Osterrieder
- Institut für Virologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Infectious Disease and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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17
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Boratyński JS, Iwińska K, Szafrańska PA, Chibowski P, Bogdanowicz W. Continuous growth through winter correlates with increased resting metabolic rate but does not affect daily energy budgets due to torpor use. Curr Zool 2020; 67:131-145. [PMID: 33854531 PMCID: PMC8026158 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoaa047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Small mammals that are specialists in homeothermic thermoregulation reduce their self-maintenance costs of normothermy to survive the winter. By contrast, heterothermic ones that are considered generalists in thermoregulation can lower energy expenditure by entering torpor. It is well known that different species vary the use of their strategies to cope with harsh winters in temperate zones; however, little is still known about the intraspecific variation within populations and the associated external and internal factors. We hypothesized that yellow-necked mice Apodemus flavicollis decrease their resting metabolic rate (RMR) from autumn to winter, and then increase it during spring. However, since the alternative for seasonal reduction of RMR could be the development of heterothermy, we also considered the use of this strategy. We measured body mass (mb), RMR, and body temperature (Tb) of mice during 2 consecutive years. In the 1st year, mice decreased whole animal RMR in winter, but did not do so in the 2nd year. All mice entered torpor during the 2nd winter, whereas only a few did so during the first one. Mice showed a continuous increase of mb, which was steepest during the 2nd year. The relationship between RMR and mb varied among seasons and years most likely due to different mouse development stages. The mb gain at the individual level was correlated positively with RMR and heterothermy. This indicates that high metabolism in winter supports the growth of smaller animals, which use torpor as a compensatory mechanism. Isotope composition of mice hair suggests that in the 1st year they fed mainly on seeds, while in the 2nd, they likely consumed significant amounts of less digestible herbs. The study suggests that the use of specialist or generalist thermoregulatory strategies can differ with environmental variation and associated differences in developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan S Boratyński
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Białowieża, Poland
| | - Karolina Iwińska
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Białowieża, Poland.,Faculty of Biology, University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Chibowski
- Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Wiesław Bogdanowicz
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warszawa, Poland
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18
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Zhang VY, Williams CT, Palme R, Buck CL. Glucocorticoids and activity in free-living arctic ground squirrels: Interrelationships between weather, body condition, and reproduction. Horm Behav 2020; 125:104818. [PMID: 32698015 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic relationship between glucocorticoids and behavior are not well understood in wild mammals. We investigated how weather, body condition, and reproduction interact to affect cortisol levels and activity patterns in a free-living population of arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii). As a proxy for foraging and escape behaviors, collar-mounted accelerometers and light loggers were used to measure above-ground activity levels and the amount of time squirrels spent below the surface, respectively. Fecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) were quantified to assess glucocorticoid secretion in squirrels. Male and female squirrels differed in above-ground activity levels and time spent below-ground across the active season, with males being most active during mating and females most active during lactation. We also found that female, but not male, squirrels exhibited seasonal variation in FCM levels, with concentrations highest during mid-lactation and lowest after the lactation period. In female squirrels, the seasonal relationships between breeding stage, activity, and FCM levels were also consistent with changes in maternal investment and the preparative role that glucocorticoids are hypothesized to play in energy mobilization. Body condition was not associated with FCM levels in squirrels. As predicted, deteriorating weather also influenced FCM levels and activity patterns in squirrels. FCM concentrations were affected by an interaction between temperature and wind speed when seasonal temperatures were lowest. In addition, above-ground activity, but not time spent below-ground, positively correlated with FCM levels. These results suggest that, although ground squirrels avoid inclement weather by remaining below-ground, activation of the stress axis may stimulate foraging activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Y Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Cory T Williams
- Institute of Arctic Biology and Department of Biology & Wildlife, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - C Loren Buck
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA.
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19
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Brodie S, Yasumiba K, Towsey M, Roe P, Schwarzkopf L. Acoustic monitoring reveals year-round calling by invasive toads in tropical Australia. BIOACOUSTICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/09524622.2019.1705183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sheryn Brodie
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Kiyomi Yasumiba
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Michael Towsey
- Ecoacoustics Research Group, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Paul Roe
- Ecoacoustics Research Group, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lin Schwarzkopf
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
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20
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Lewis JE, Ebling FJP, Samms RJ, Tsintzas K. Going Back to the Biology of FGF21: New Insights. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2019; 30:491-504. [PMID: 31248786 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a protein highly synthesized in the liver that exerts paracrine and endocrine control of many aspects of energy homeostasis in multiple tissues. In preclinical models of obesity and type 2 diabetes, treatment with FGF21 improves glucose homeostasis and promotes weight loss, and, as a result, FGF21 has attracted considerable attention as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of metabolic syndrome in humans. An improved understanding of the biological role of FGF21 may help to explain why its therapeutic potential in humans has not been fully realized. This review will cover the complexities in FGF21 biology in rodents and humans, with emphasis on its role in protection from central and peripheral facets of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo E Lewis
- Institute of Metabolic Sciences and MRC-Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB0 0QQ, UK
| | - Francis J P Ebling
- MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | | | - Kostas Tsintzas
- MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
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21
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Domenech-Coca C, Mariné-Casadó R, Caimari A, Arola L, del Bas JM, Bladé C, Rodriguez-Naranjo MI. Dual liquid-liquid extraction followed by LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of melatonin, cortisol, triiodothyronine, thyroxine and testosterone levels in serum: Applications to a photoperiod study in rats. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2019; 1108:11-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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22
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Eto T, Sakamoto SH, Okubo Y, Tsuzuki Y, Koshimoto C, Morita T. Individual variation of daily torpor and body mass change during winter in the large Japanese field mouse (Apodemus speciosus). J Comp Physiol B 2018; 188:1005-1014. [PMID: 30194463 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-018-1179-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Daily torpor is a strategy used by some overwintering small endotherms to aid in energy conservation. However, the pattern of torpor varies among individuals within species and populations, even under the same environmental conditions, with significant implications for survival rate and reproductive success. Body mass is one factor that may influence this variation, especially in some small mammals that accumulate fat stores prior to overwintering. However, to our knowledge there has been no previous study examining the detailed relationships between torpor expression and body mass change in small mammals that hoard food as an energy resource during winter. The large Japanese field mouse, Apodemus speciosus, whose winter survival strategy depends on food caches instead of fat stores, displays daily torpor under artificial winter conditions (short-day photoperiod and cold). The present study clarifies the characteristics and patterns of daily torpor and body mass change in this species in the laboratory. Although expression of daily torpor was facilitated progressively as in other species, the observed patterns of torpor expression and body mass change showed considerable individual variation. Moreover, there was no obvious correlation between body mass and daily torpor expression. Therefore, it is suggested that in A. speciosus body mass may not contribute to individual variation of daily torpor during winter. Daily torpor during winter may be adjusted by not only mechanisms common to other small mammals, but also species-specific factors relating to the external or internal reserves of energy in small mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Eto
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Agriculture and Engineering, Kibana Campus, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, 889-2192, Japan.,Center for Toki and Ecological Restoration, Niigata University, Niigata, 952-0103, Japan
| | - Shinsuke H Sakamoto
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kibana Campus, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, 889-2192, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Okubo
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Agriculture and Engineering, Kibana Campus, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, 889-2192, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Tsuzuki
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kibana Campus, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, 889-2192, Japan
| | - Chihiro Koshimoto
- Division of Bio-Resources, Frontier Science Research Center, Kiyotake Campus, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, 889-1692, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Morita
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kibana Campus, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, 889-2192, Japan. .,Division of Bio-Resources, Frontier Science Research Center, Kiyotake Campus, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, 889-1692, Japan.
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23
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Zimova M, Hackländer K, Good JM, Melo‐Ferreira J, Alves PC, Mills LS. Function and underlying mechanisms of seasonal colour moulting in mammals and birds: what keeps them changing in a warming world? Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2018; 93:1478-1498. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marketa Zimova
- Wildlife Biology Program University of Montana Missoula MT 59812 U.S.A
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources North Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695 U.S.A
| | - Klaus Hackländer
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources North Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695 U.S.A
- Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game Management BOKU ‐ University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna 1180 Austria
| | - Jeffrey M. Good
- Division of Biological Sciences University of Montana Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - José Melo‐Ferreira
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado Universidade do Porto Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485‐661 Vairão Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169‐007 Porto Portugal
| | - Paulo Célio Alves
- Wildlife Biology Program University of Montana Missoula MT 59812 U.S.A
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado Universidade do Porto Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485‐661 Vairão Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169‐007 Porto Portugal
| | - L. Scott Mills
- Wildlife Biology Program and Office of Research and Creative Scholarship University of Montana Missoula MT 59812 USA
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Weinert D, Maibach V, Waterhouse J. Seasonal changes of thermoregulatory efficiency in Djungarian hamsters. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2018.1434947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Weinert
- Institute of Biology/Zoology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - V. Maibach
- Institute of Biology/Zoology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - J. Waterhouse
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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25
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Richardson CS, Heeren T, Kunz TH. Seasonal and Sexual Variation in Metabolism, Thermoregulation, and Hormones in the Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus). Physiol Biochem Zool 2018; 91:705-715. [DOI: 10.1086/695424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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26
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Funakoshi K, Nagasato A, Takenouchi S, Kannonji R, Kikusui M, Uchihara A, Tamai K. Annual Molting Cycle and Photoperiods That Affect Seasonal Coat Color Changes in the Japanese Marten (Martes melampus). MAMMAL STUDY 2017. [DOI: 10.3106/041.042.0402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kimitake Funakoshi
- Biological Laboratory, Faculty of Intercultural Studies, The International University of Kagoshima, Kagoshima 891-0197, Japan
| | - Ayumi Nagasato
- The Foundation of Environmental Research and Service, Kagoshima 891-0132, Japan
| | - Seiko Takenouchi
- Biological Laboratory, Faculty of Intercultural Studies, The International University of Kagoshima, Kagoshima 891-0197, Japan
| | - Rie Kannonji
- Biological Laboratory, Faculty of Intercultural Studies, The International University of Kagoshima, Kagoshima 891-0197, Japan
| | - Madoka Kikusui
- Biological Laboratory, Faculty of Intercultural Studies, The International University of Kagoshima, Kagoshima 891-0197, Japan
| | - Aimi Uchihara
- Biological Laboratory, Faculty of Intercultural Studies, The International University of Kagoshima, Kagoshima 891-0197, Japan
| | - Kanji Tamai
- Hirakawa Zoological Park, Kagoshima 891-0133, Japan
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27
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Kinnunen SME, Mänttäri SK, Saarela SYO. Expression of AMPK, SIRT1, and ACC Differs between Winter- and Summer-Acclimatized Djungarian Hamsters. Physiol Biochem Zool 2017; 90:605-612. [DOI: 10.1086/694295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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28
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Cubuk C, Markowsky H, Herwig A. Hypothalamic control systems show differential gene expression during spontaneous daily torpor and fasting-induced torpor in the Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186299. [PMID: 29023516 PMCID: PMC5638525 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Djungarian hamsters are able to use spontaneous daily torpor (SDT) during the winter season as well as fasting-induced torpor (FIT) at any time of the year to cope with energetically challenging environmental conditions. Torpor is a state of severely reduced metabolism with a pronounced decrease in body temperature, which enables animals to decrease their individual energy requirements. Despite sharing common characteristics, such as reduced body mass before first torpor expression and depressed metabolism and body temperature during the torpid state, FIT and SDT differ in several physiological properties including torpor bout duration, minimal body temperature, fuel utilization and circadian organization. It remains unclear, whether SDT and FIT reflect the same phenomenon or two different physiological states. The hypothalamus has been suggested to play a key role in regulating energy balance and torpor. To uncover differences in molecular control mechanisms of torpor expression, we set out to investigate hypothalamic gene expression profiles of genes related to orexigenic (Agrp/Npy), circadian clock (Bmal1/Per1) and thyroid hormone (Dio2/Mct8) systems of animals undergoing SDT and FIT during different torpor stages. Orexigenic genes were mainly regulated during FIT and remained largely unaffected by SDT. Expression patterns of clock genes showed disturbed circadian clock rhythmicity in animals undergoing FIT, but not in animals undergoing SDT. During both, SDT and FIT, decreased Dio2 expression was detected, indicating reduced hypothalamic T3 availability in both types of torpor. Taken together, our results provide evidence that SDT and FIT also differ in certain central control mechanisms and support the observation that animals undergoing SDT are in energetical balance, whereas animals undergoing FIT display a negative energy balance. This should be carefully taken into account when interpreting data in torpor research, especially from animal models of fasting-induced hypometabolism such as mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceyda Cubuk
- Zoologisches Institut, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Markowsky
- Zoologisches Institut, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annika Herwig
- Institut für Neurobiologie, Universität Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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29
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Boratyński JS, Jefimow M, Wojciechowski MS. Melatonin attenuates phenotypic flexibility of energy metabolism in a photoresponsive mammal, the Siberian hamster. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 220:3154-3161. [PMID: 28606897 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.159517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The duration of melatonin (MEL) secretion conveys information about day length and initiates a cascade of seasonal phenotypic adjustments in photoresponsive mammals. With shortening days, animals cease reproduction, minimize energy expenditure, enhance thermoregulatory capacity and adjust functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to match the winter increase in energy demands. Within each season, stress plays an important role in the flexible adjustments of a phenotype to environmental perturbations. Recent studies have shown that thermal reaction norms of energy metabolism were narrower in winter-acclimated Siberian hamsters, Phodopus sungorus We tested the hypothesis that physiological changes occurring in response to prolonged MEL signals, including changes in the secretion of stress hormones, are responsible for the seasonal decrease in phenotypic flexibility of energy metabolism in photoresponsive mammals. To quantify reaction norms for basal metabolic rate (BMR) and cortisol (CORT) secretion, male Siberian hamsters maintained at a long (16 h:8 h light:dark) photoperiod were acclimated repeatedly for 12 days to 10 and 28°C. As predicted, the phenotypic flexibility of BMR decreased when animals were supplemented with MEL. However, at the same time, mean CORT concentration and the reaction norm for its secretion in response to changes in acclimation temperature increased. These results suggest that decreased sensitivity of HPA axis to CORT signal, rather than changes in CORT level itself, is responsible for the decreased phenotypic flexibility in photoresponsive species. Our results suggest that decreased phenotypic flexibility in winter, together with increased stress hormone secretion, make photosensitive species more vulnerable to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan S Boratyński
- Department of Animal Physiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, ul. Lwowska 1, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Jefimow
- Department of Animal Physiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, ul. Lwowska 1, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Michał S Wojciechowski
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, ul. Lwowska 1, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
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Dai X, Shi J, Han M, Wang AQ, Wei WH, Yang SM. Effect of photoperiod and 6-methoxybenzoxazolinone (6-MBOA) on the reproduction of male Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 246:1-8. [PMID: 28279674 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Plant secondary metabolite 6-methoxybenzoxazolinone (6-MBOA) has been suggested to stimulate animal reproduction. 6-MBOA is detected in Leymus chinensis, a main diet of Brandt's vole (Lasiopodomys brandtii). We have previously reported a stimulatory effect of 6-MBOA on reproduction of male Brandt's voles under a short-day photoperiod. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of 6-MBOA on reproductive physiology of male Brandt's voles under a long-day photoperiod and examine if 6-MBOA under this photoperiodic regime altered the reproductive status of male Brandt's voles differently than the short-day photoperiod. Under the long-day photoperiod, a high dose of 6-MBOA decreased KiSS-1 mRNA in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), and we also saw a decrease in circulating levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone (T). Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and cytochrome P45011a1 (CYP11a1) in the testes, and relative testis weight also decreased with 6-MBOA administration. Compared to the short-day photoperiod, animals under the long-day photoperiod exhibited increased body weight as well as all other reproductive parameters. Our results showed that 6-MBOA inhibited the reproduction of male Brandt's vole under a long-day photoperiod, a stark contrast from its stimulatory effects under a short-day photoperiod. The paradoxical effects of 6-MBOA suggest it may act as a partial agonist of melatonin. These results provide insight into the complex interactions between environmental factors such as photoperiod and diet in the control of Brandt's vole reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Dai
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, 48 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China
| | - Jia Shi
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, 48 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou 225009, PR China
| | - Mei Han
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, 48 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou 225009, PR China
| | - Ai Qin Wang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, 48 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou 225009, PR China
| | - Wan Hong Wei
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, 48 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China
| | - Sheng Mei Yang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, 48 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China.
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31
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Bailey AM, Legan SJ, Demas GE. Exogenous kisspeptin enhances seasonal reproductive function in male Siberian hamsters. Funct Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandra J. Legan
- Department of Physiology University of Kentucky Lexington KY USA
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Cubuk C, Kemmling J, Fabrizius A, Herwig A. Transcriptome Analysis of Hypothalamic Gene Expression during Daily Torpor in Djungarian Hamsters ( Phodopus sungorus). Front Neurosci 2017; 11:122. [PMID: 28348515 PMCID: PMC5346580 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals living at high or temperate latitudes are challenged by extensive changes in environmental conditions over seasons. Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) are able to cope with extremely cold ambient temperatures and food scarcity in winter by expressing spontaneous daily torpor. Daily torpor is a circadian controlled voluntary reduction of metabolism that can reduce energy expenditure by up to 65% when used frequently. In the past decades it has become more and more apparent, that the hypothalamus is likely to play a key role in regulating induction and maintenance of daily torpor, but the molecular signals, which lead to the initiation of daily torpor, are still unknown. Here we present the first transcriptomic study of hypothalamic gene expression patterns in Djungarian hamsters during torpor entrance. Based on Illumina sequencing we were able to identify a total number of 284 differentially expressed genes, whereby 181 genes were up- and 103 genes down regulated during torpor entrance. The 20 most up regulated group contained eight genes coding for structure proteins, including five collagen genes, dnha2 and myo15a, as well as the procoagulation factor vwf. In a proximate approach we investigated these genes by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis over the circadian cycle in torpid and normothermic animals at times of torpor entrance, mid torpor, arousal and post-torpor. These qPCR data confirmed up regulation of dnah2, myo15a, and vwf during torpor entrance, but a decreased mRNA level for all other investigated time points. This suggests that gene expression of structure genes as well as the procoagulation factor are specifically initiated during the early state of torpor and provides evidence for protective molecular adaptions in the hypothalamus of Djungarian hamsters including changes in structure, transport of biomolecules and coagulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceyda Cubuk
- Zoologisches Institut, Universität Hamburg Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Kemmling
- Zoologisches Institut, Universität Hamburg Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Annika Herwig
- Zoologisches Institut, Universität Hamburg Hamburg, Germany
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33
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Dumbell R, Petri I, Scherbarth F, Diedrich V, Schmid HA, Steinlechner S, Barrett P. Somatostatin Agonist Pasireotide Inhibits Exercise-Stimulated Growth in the Male Siberian Hamster (Phodopus sungorus). J Neuroendocrinol 2017; 29. [PMID: 27874965 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The Siberian hamster (Phodopus sungorus) is a seasonal mammal, exhibiting a suite of physiologically and behaviourally distinct traits dependent on the time of year and governed by changes in perceived day length (photoperiod). These attributes include significant weight loss, reduced food intake, gonadal atrophy and pelage change with short-day photoperiod as in winter. The central mechanisms driving seasonal phenotype change during winter are mediated by a reduced availability of hypothalamic triiodothyronine (T3), although the downstream mechanisms responsible for physiological and behavioural changes are yet to be fully clarified. With access to a running wheel (RW) in short photoperiod, Siberian hamsters that have undergone photoperiod-mediated weight loss over-ride photoperiod-drive for reduced body weight and regain weight similar to a hamster held in long days. These changes occur despite retaining the majority of hypothalamic gene expression profiles appropriate for short-day hamsters. Utilising the somatostatin agonist pasireotide, we recently provided evidence for an involvement of the growth hormone (GH) axis in the seasonal regulation of bodyweight. In the present study, we employed pasireotide to test for the possible involvement of the GH axis in RW-induced body weight regulation. Pasireotide successfully inhibited exercise-stimulated growth in short-day hamsters and this was accompanied by altered hypothalamic gene expression of key GH axis components. Our data provide support for an involvement of the GH axis in the RW response in Siberian hamsters.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Dumbell
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - I Petri
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - F Scherbarth
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - V Diedrich
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - S Steinlechner
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - P Barrett
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Boratyński JS, Jefimow M, Wojciechowski MS. Individual Differences in the Phenotypic Flexibility of Basal Metabolic Rate in Siberian Hamsters Are Consistent on Short- and Long-Term Timescales. Physiol Biochem Zool 2016; 90:139-152. [PMID: 28277958 DOI: 10.1086/689870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Basal metabolic rate (BMR) correlates with the cost of life in endothermic animals. It usually differs consistently among individuals in a population, but it may be adjusted in response to predictable or unpredictable changes in the environment. The phenotypic flexibility of BMR is considered an adaptation to living in a stochastic environment; however, whether it is also repeatable it is still unexplored. Assuming that variations in phenotypic flexibility are evolutionarily important, we hypothesized that they are consistently different among individuals. We predicted that not only BMR but also its flexibility in response to changes in ambient temperature (Ta) are repeatable on short- and long-term timescales. To examine this, we acclimated Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) for 100 d to winterlike and then to summerlike conditions, and after each acclimation we exposed them interchangeably to 10° and 28°C for 14 d. The difference in BMR measured after each exposure defined an individual's phenotypic flexibility (ΔBMR). BMR was repeatable within and among seasons. It was also flexible in both seasons, but in winter this flexibility was lower in individuals responding to seasonal changes than in nonresponding ones. When we accounted for individual responsiveness, the repeatability of ΔBMR was significant in winter (τ = 0.48, P = 0.01) and in summer (τ = 0.55, P = 0.005). Finally, the flexibility of BMR in response to changes in Ta was also repeatable on a long-term timescale, that is, among seasons (τ = 0.31, P = 0.008). Our results indicate the evolutionary importance of the phenotypic flexibility of energy metabolism and suggest that it may be subject to selection.
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35
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Urinary volatile compounds differ across reproductive phenotypes and following aggression in male Siberian hamsters. Physiol Behav 2016; 164:58-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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36
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Eto T, Ozaki R, Kato GA, Sakamoto SH, Koshimoto C, Morita T. Flexibility of Digestive Tract Morphology in Response to Environmental Conditions in the Large Japanese Field MouseApodemus speciosus. MAMMAL STUDY 2016. [DOI: 10.3106/041.041.0204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Rendon NM, Soini HA, Scotti MAL, Weigel ER, Novotny MV, Demas GE. Photoperiod and aggression induce changes in ventral gland compounds exclusively in male Siberian hamsters. Horm Behav 2016; 81:1-11. [PMID: 26944610 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Chemical communication is a critical component of social behavior as it facilitates social encounters, allows for evaluation of the social partner, defines territories and resources, and advertises information such as sex and physiological state of an animal. Odors provide a key source of information about the social environment to rodents; however, studies identifying chemical compounds have thus far focused primarily on few species, particularly the house mouse. Moreover, considerably less attention has been focused on how environmental factors, reproductive phenotype, and behavioral context alter these compounds outside of reproduction. We examined the effects of photoperiod, sex, and social context on chemical communication in the seasonally breeding Siberian hamster. We sampled ventral gland secretions in both male and female hamsters before and after an aggressive encounter and identified changes in a range of volatile compounds. Next, we investigated how photoperiod, reproductive phenotype, and aggression altered ventral gland volatile compound composition across the sexes. Males exhibited a more diverse chemical composition, more sex-specific volatiles, and showed higher levels of excretion compared to females. Individual volatiles were also differentially excreted across photoperiod and reproductive phenotype, as well as differentially altered in response to an aggressive encounter. Female volatile compound composition, in contrast, did not differ across photoperiods or in response to aggression. Collectively, these data contribute to a greater understanding of context-dependent changes in chemical communication in a seasonally breeding rodent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki M Rendon
- Department of Biology, Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
| | - Helena A Soini
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Pheromone Research, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Melissa-Ann L Scotti
- Department of Biology, Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Ellen R Weigel
- Department of Biology, Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Milos V Novotny
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Pheromone Research, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Gregory E Demas
- Department of Biology, Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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Phenotypic flexibility of energetics in acclimated Siberian hamsters has a narrower scope in winter than in summer. J Comp Physiol B 2016; 186:387-402. [PMID: 26803319 PMCID: PMC4791479 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-016-0959-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
As photoperiod shortens with the approach of winter, small mammals should reduce their energy expenditure to survive periods of food limitation. However, within seasons, animals should balance their energy budgets as abiotic conditions change, sometimes unpredictably; cold spells should increase heat production, while warm spells should do the opposite. Therefore, we addressed specific questions about the possible interactions between seasonal acclimatization and the intra-seasonal phenotypic flexibility of metabolic rate. We hypothesized that phenotypic flexibility in small mammals differs seasonally and is greater in summer than in winter, and predicted that seasonal adjustments in energetics, which are driven by photoperiod, overwhelm the influence of variations in the thermal environment. We measured body mass, basal metabolic rate (BMR), facultative non-shivering thermogenesis (fNST), body temperature, and calculated minimum thermal conductance in Siberian hamsters Phodopus sungorus. Animals were acclimated to winter-like, and then to summer-like conditions and, within each season, were exposed twice, for 3 weeks to 10, 20 or 28 °C. We used differences between values measured after these short acclimation periods as a measure of the scope of phenotypic flexibility. After winter acclimation, hamsters were lighter, had lower whole animal BMR, higher fNST than in summer, and developed heterothermy. After these short acclimations to the above-mentioned temperatures, hamsters showed reversible changes in BMR and fNST; however, these traits were less flexible in winter than in summer. We conclude that seasonal acclimation affects hamster responses to intra-seasonal variations in the thermal environment. We argue that understanding seasonal changes in phenotypic flexibility is crucial for predicting the biological consequences of global climate changes.
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Cubuk C, Bank JHH, Herwig A. The Chemistry of Cold: Mechanisms of Torpor Regulation in the Siberian Hamster. Physiology (Bethesda) 2016; 31:51-9. [DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00028.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Siberian hamsters use spontaneous daily torpor, a state of hypometabolism and hypothermia, to save energy during winter. Multiple neuroendocrine signals set the scene for spontaneous torpor to occur, and several brain areas have been identified as potential sites for torpor regulation. Here, we summarize the known mechanisms of a fascinating physiological state in the Siberian hamster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceyda Cubuk
- Biozentrum Grindel und Zoologisches Museum, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonathan H. H. Bank
- Biozentrum Grindel und Zoologisches Museum, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annika Herwig
- Biozentrum Grindel und Zoologisches Museum, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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EVALUATION OF THYROID HORMONES AND AS INFLUENCED BY TREATMENT WITH DESLORELIN IN PALLAS' CATS (OTOCOLOBUS (FELIS) MANUL). J Zoo Wildl Med 2015; 46:675-81. [PMID: 26667522 DOI: 10.1638/2013-0298.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid hormones regulate a variety of physiologic functions including metabolism, growth, and reproductive cycling, and these other hormones can impact the thyroid function via the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. For instance, the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, deslorelin, used in nondomestic carnivores for contraception and behavioral control, down-regulates reproductive hormones through this mechanism and so may impact thyroid function. Due to clinical concerns of hypothyroidism in a bachelor group of adult male Pallas' cats (Otocolobus (Felis) manul) which also had deslorelin implants, serum samples from treated captive (n = 8) individuals, untreated captive (n = 25), and free-ranging (n = 9) individuals were analyzed for thyroid hormone concentrations. Total and free thyroxine (TT4 and FT4), total and free tri-iodothyronine (TT3 and FT3), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured although, due to sample volume limitations, not every hormone could be analyzed for every sample. Of these hormones, only FT4 was found statistically different between the deslorelin-treated and untreated groups. As samples were unevenly distributed across season, true comparison between seasons could not be made. The values reported for the untreated captive and free-ranging group, while representing a small sample size, can serve as a baseline assessment when evaluating the thyroid status of captive Pallas' cats.
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Scherbarth F, Diedrich V, Dumbell RA, Schmid HA, Steinlechner S, Barrett P. Somatostatin receptor activation is involved in the control of daily torpor in a seasonal mammal. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2015; 309:R668-74. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00191.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Siberian hamsters ( Phodopus sungorus) show spontaneous daily torpor only after ∼2 mo in winter-like short photoperiods (SP). Although some SP-induced hormonal changes have been demonstrated to be necessary for the occurrence of seasonal torpor, the whole set of preconditions is still unknown. Recent findings provide evidence that the hypothalamic pituitary growth axis is involved in endocrine responses to SP exposure in the photoperiodic hamsters. To examine whether suppression of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) secretion affects the incidence of daily torpor, we used two somatostatin receptor agonists, pasireotide (SOM230) and octreotide, with different affinity profiles for receptor subtypes. Pasireotide strikingly increased the torpor frequency in male hamsters compared with sham-treated controls, and torpor duration was often increased, which in some cases exceeded 12 h. In contrast, administration of octreotide reduced the body weight of SP hamsters but had only a marginal effect on torpor frequency in males and no effect in females. Together with measured concentrations of circulating IGF-1, the present results strongly suggest that reduced activity of the GH/IGF-1 axis is not critical for stimulation of torpor expression but activation of specific somatostatin receptors is critical. This putative role for certain somatostatin receptor subtypes in torpor induction provides a promising new approach to unravel the endocrine mechanisms of torpor regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Scherbarth
- Department of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Victoria Diedrich
- Department of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rebecca A. Dumbell
- Rowett Institute for Nutrition and Health, Aberdeen, United Kingdom; and
| | - Herbert A. Schmid
- Oncology Department, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Steinlechner
- Department of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Perry Barrett
- Rowett Institute for Nutrition and Health, Aberdeen, United Kingdom; and
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Bank JHH, Kemmling J, Rijntjes E, Wirth EK, Herwig A. Thyroid hormone status affects expression of daily torpor and gene transcription in Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus). Horm Behav 2015; 75:120-9. [PMID: 26435475 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (TH) play a key role in regulation of seasonal as well as acute changes in metabolism. Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) adapt to winter by multiple changes in behaviour and physiology including spontaneous daily torpor, a state of hypometabolism and hypothermia. We investigated effects of systemic TH administration and ablation on the torpor behaviour in Djungarian hamsters adapted to short photoperiod. Hyperthyroidism was induced by giving T4 or T3 and hypothyroidism by giving methimazole (MMI) and sodium perchlorate via drinking water. T3 treatment increased water, food intake and body mass, whereas MMI had the opposite effect. Continuous recording of body temperature revealed that low T3 serum concentrations increased torpor incidence, lowered Tb and duration, whereas high T3 serum concentrations inhibited torpor expression. Gene expression of deiodinases (dio) and uncoupling proteins (ucp) were analysed by qPCR in hypothalamus, brown adipose tissue (BAT) and skeletal muscle. Expression of dio2, the enzyme generating T3 by deiodination of T4, and ucps, involved in thermoregulation, indicated a tissue specific response to treatment. Torpor per se decreased dio2 expression irrespective of treatment or tissue, suggesting low intracellular T3 concentrations during torpor. Down regulation of ucp1 and ucp3 during torpor might be a factor for the inhibition of BAT thermogenesis. Hypothalamic gene expression of neuropeptide Y, propopiomelanocortin and somatostatin, involved in feeding behaviour and energy balance, were not affected by treatment. Taken together our data indicate a strong effect of thyroid hormones on torpor, suggesting that lowered intracellular T3 concentrations in peripheral tissues promote torpor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan H H Bank
- Biozentrum Grindel und Zoologisches Museum, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Kemmling
- Biozentrum Grindel und Zoologisches Museum, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eddy Rijntjes
- Institut für Experimentelle Endokrinologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Eva K Wirth
- Institut für Experimentelle Endokrinologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Annika Herwig
- Biozentrum Grindel und Zoologisches Museum, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146 Hamburg, Germany.
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Torpor expression in juvenile and adult Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) differs in frequency, duration and onset in response to a daily cycle in ambient temperature. J Therm Biol 2015; 53:23-32. [PMID: 26590452 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2015.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In addition to morphological and physiological traits of short-day acclimatisation, Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) from Central Asia exhibit spontaneous daily torpor to decrease energy demands during winter. Environmental factors such as food scarcity and low temperatures have been shown to facilitate the use of this temporal reduction in metabolism and body temperature. We investigated the effect of a daily cycle in ambient temperature on short-day acclimation and torpor expression in juvenile and adult Djungarian hamsters. The animals were exposed to a cold dark phase (6°C) and a warmer light phase (18°C) and were compared with control hamsters kept at a constant ambient temperature of 18°C. Under constant conditions, torpor expression did not differ between adult and juvenile hamsters. Although the daily temperature cycle evoked an increased metabolic rate in adult and juvenile hamsters during the dark phase and strengthened the synchronization between torpor entrance and the beginning of the light phase, it did not induce the expected torpor facilitation. In adult hamsters, torpor expression profiles did not differ from those under constant conditions at all. In contrast, juvenile hamsters showed a delayed onset of torpor season, a decreased torpor frequency, depth and duration, as well as an increased number of early torpor terminations coinciding with the rise in ambient temperature after the beginning of the light phase. While the temperature challenge appeared to be of minor importance for energy balance and torpor expression in adult hamsters, it profoundly influenced the overall energy saving strategy of juvenile hamsters, promoting torpor-alleviating active foragers over torpor-prone energy-savers. In addition, our data suggest a more efficient acclimation in juvenile hamsters under additional energy challenges, which reduces the need for torpor expression.
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Tavolaro FM, Thomson LM, Ross AW, Morgan PJ, Helfer G. Photoperiodic effects on seasonal physiology, reproductive status and hypothalamic gene expression in young male F344 rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2015; 27:79-87. [PMID: 25443173 PMCID: PMC4329330 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal or photoperiodically sensitive animals respond to altered day length with changes in physiology (growth, food intake and reproductive status) and behaviour to adapt to predictable yearly changes in the climate. Typically, different species of hamsters, voles and sheep are the most studied animal models of photoperiodism. Although laboratory rats are generally considered nonphotoperiodic, one rat strain, the inbred Fischer 344 (F344) rat, has been shown to be sensitive to the length of daylight exposure by changing its physiological phenotype and reproductive status according to the season. The present study aimed to better understand the nature of the photoperiodic response in the F344 rat. We examined the effects of five different photoperiods on the physiological and neuroendocrine responses. Young male F344 rats were held under light schedules ranging from 8 h of light/day to 16 h of light/day, and then body weight, including fat and lean mass, food intake, testes weights and hypothalamic gene expression were compared. We found that rats held under photoperiods of ≥ 12 h of light/day showed increased growth and food intake relative to rats held under photoperiods of ≤ 10 h of light/day. Magnetic resonance imaging analysis confirmed that these changes were mainly the result of a change in lean body mass. The same pattern was evident for reproductive status, with higher paired testes weight in photoperiods of ≥ 12 h of light/day. Accompanying the changes in physiological status were major changes in hypothalamic thyroid hormone (Dio2 and Dio3), retinoic acid (Crabp1 and Stra6) and Wnt/β-Catenin signalling genes (sFrp2 and Mfrp). Our data demonstrate that a photoperiod schedule of 12 h of light/day is interpreted as a stimulatory photoperiod by the neuroendocrine system of young male F344 rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Tavolaro
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of AberdeenAberdeen, UK
| | - L M Thomson
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of AberdeenAberdeen, UK
| | - A W Ross
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of AberdeenAberdeen, UK
| | - P J Morgan
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of AberdeenAberdeen, UK
| | - G Helfer
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of AberdeenAberdeen, UK
- Correspondence to: Gisela Helfer, Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9SB, UK (e-mail: )
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Gracceva G, Herde A, Groothuis TGG, Koolhaas JM, Palme R, Eccard JA. Turning Shy on a Winter's Day: Effects of Season on Personality and Stress Response inMicrotus arvalis. Ethology 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gracceva
- Behavioural Physiology; Institute of Behavioural Neurosciences; University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
- Behavioural Biology; Institute of Behavioural Neurosciences; University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Antje Herde
- Department of Animal Ecology; Institute of Biochemistry and Biology; University of Potsdam; Potsdam Germany
| | - Ton G. G. Groothuis
- Behavioural Biology; Institute of Behavioural Neurosciences; University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Jaap M. Koolhaas
- Behavioural Physiology; Institute of Behavioural Neurosciences; University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Rupert Palme
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry; University of Veterinary Medicine; Vienna Austria
| | - Jana A. Eccard
- Department of Animal Ecology; Institute of Biochemistry and Biology; University of Potsdam; Potsdam Germany
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Nunome M, Kinoshita G, Tomozawa M, Torii H, Matsuki R, Yamada F, Matsuda Y, Suzuki H. Lack of association between winter coat colour and genetic population structure in the Japanese hare,Lepus brachyurus(Lagomorpha: Leporidae). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuo Nunome
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics; Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences; Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences; Nagoya University; Furo-cho Chikusa-ku Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
| | - Gohta Kinoshita
- Laboratory of Ecology and Genetics; Faculty of Environmental Earth Science; Hokkaido University; Kita-ku Sapporo 060-0810 Japan
| | | | - Harumi Torii
- Center for Natural Environment Education; Nara University of Education; Takabatake-cho Nara 630-8528 Japan
| | - Rikyu Matsuki
- Environmental Science Research Laboratory; Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry; 1646 Abiko Chiba 270-1194 Japan
| | - Fumio Yamada
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute; PO Box 16 Tsukuba Norin Ibaraki 305-8687 Japan
| | - Yoichi Matsuda
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics; Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences; Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences; Nagoya University; Furo-cho Chikusa-ku Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
| | - Hitoshi Suzuki
- Laboratory of Ecology and Genetics; Faculty of Environmental Earth Science; Hokkaido University; Kita-ku Sapporo 060-0810 Japan
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Heritable variation in reaction norms of metabolism and activity across temperatures in a wild-derived population of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus). J Comp Physiol B 2014; 184:525-34. [PMID: 24549715 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-014-0811-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Revised: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Heritable variation in metabolic traits is likely to affect fitness. In this study, white-footed mice from wild-derived photoresponsive [R, infertile in short day length (SD)] and non-photoresponsive (NR, fertile in SD) selection lines were maintained under short-day (SD 8Light:16Dark), sub-thermoneutral conditions (22 or 12 °C). Mice had significantly higher levels of food intake and resting metabolic rates (RMR) at low temperature. RMR differed significantly between lines (greater in NR mice). In contrast to previous work under thermoneutral conditions, there was no significant difference in overall activity or average daily metabolic rates (ADMR) of mice from the two lines. Reduced activity may reflect behavioral changes under cooler conditions (e.g., nest building) reducing the overall energetic cost of fertility (for NR mice). There was no significant difference in maximal rate of oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]) between lines. R mice had significantly greater brown adipose tissue and white abdominal fat mass due to both line and temperature. Reaction norms for intake, resting metabolism (RMR/BMR) and level of activity from current (12 and 22 °C) and previously published data (28 °C) demonstrate independent effects of genetics (line) and environment (temperature) for resting metabolism, but a clear interaction between these for activity. The results suggest that fertility under winter conditions imposes metabolic costs that are related to the level of reproductive development. Under the coldest conditions tested, however, mice that remained fertile in SD reduced activity, ADMR and food requirements, decreasing the differential between selection lines. Heritable variation in reaction norms suggests a genetic by environment effect that could be subject to selection.
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Ikeno T, Weil ZM, Nelson RJ. Dim light at night disrupts the short-day response in Siberian hamsters. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 197:56-64. [PMID: 24362257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Revised: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Photoperiodic regulation of physiology, morphology, and behavior is crucial for many animals to survive seasonally variable conditions unfavorable for reproduction and survival. The photoperiodic response in mammals is mediated by nocturnal secretion of melatonin under the control of a circadian clock. However, artificial light at night caused by recent urbanization may disrupt the circadian clock, as well as the photoperiodic response by blunting melatonin secretion. Here we examined the effect of dim light at night (dLAN) (5lux of light during the dark phase) on locomotor activity rhythms and short-day regulation of reproduction, body mass, pelage properties, and immune responses of male Siberian hamsters. Short-day animals reduced gonadal and body mass, decreased spermatid nuclei and sperm numbers, molted to a whiter pelage, and increased pelage density compared to long-day animals. However, animals that experienced short days with dLAN did not show these short-day responses. Moreover, short-day specific immune responses were altered in dLAN conditions. The nocturnal activity pattern was blunted in dLAN hamsters, consistent with the observation that dLAN changed expression of the circadian clock gene, Period1. In addition, we demonstrated that expression levels of genes implicated in the photoperiodic response, Mel-1a melatonin receptor, Eyes absent 3, thyroid stimulating hormone receptor, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone, were higher in dLAN animals than those in short-day animals. These results suggest that dLAN disturbs the circadian clock function and affects the molecular mechanisms of the photoperiodic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Ikeno
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Zachary M Weil
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Randy J Nelson
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) are not susceptible to stimulating effects of 6-methoxy-2-benzoxazolinone on reproductive organs. THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2014; 101:115-21. [DOI: 10.1007/s00114-013-1138-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Revised: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 12/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Dardente H, Hazlerigg DG, Ebling FJP. Thyroid hormone and seasonal rhythmicity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:19. [PMID: 24616714 PMCID: PMC3935485 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Living organisms show seasonality in a wide array of functions such as reproduction, fattening, hibernation, and migration. At temperate latitudes, changes in photoperiod maintain the alignment of annual rhythms with predictable changes in the environment. The appropriate physiological response to changing photoperiod in mammals requires retinal detection of light and pineal secretion of melatonin, but extraretinal detection of light occurs in birds. A common mechanism across all vertebrates is that these photoperiod-regulated systems alter hypothalamic thyroid hormone (TH) conversion. Here, we review the evidence that a circadian clock within the pars tuberalis of the adenohypophysis links photoperiod decoding to local changes of TH signaling within the medio-basal hypothalamus (MBH) through a conserved thyrotropin/deiodinase axis. We also focus on recent findings which indicate that, beyond the photoperiodic control of its conversion, TH might also be involved in longer-term timing processes of seasonal programs. Finally, we examine the potential implication of kisspeptin and RFRP3, two RF-amide peptides expressed within the MBH, in seasonal rhythmicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugues Dardente
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA, UMR085, Nouzilly, France
- CNRS, UMR7247, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France
- Institut français du cheval et de l’équitation, Nouzilly, France
- *Correspondence: Hugues Dardente, INRA, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, CNRS, UMR7247, Université François Rabelais de Tours, IFCE, F-37380 Nouzilly, France e-mail:
| | - David G. Hazlerigg
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
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