Physiological blocking of the mechanisms of cold death: theoretical and experimental considerations

Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics reveal protective effects on heart of hibernating Daurian ground squirrels

Hibernating mammals are natural models of resistance to ischemia, hypoxia-reperfusion injury, and hypothermia. Daurian ground squirrels (spermophilus dauricus) can adapt to endure multiple torpor-arousal cycles without sustaining cardiac damage. However, the molecular regulatory mechanisms that underlie this adaptive response are not yet fully understood. This study investigates morphological, functional, genetic, and metabolic changes that occur in the heart of ground squirrels in three groups: summer active (SA), late torpor (LT), and interbout arousal (IBA). Morphological and functional changes in the heart were measured using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, echocardiography, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed significant changes in cardiac function in the LT group as compared with SA or IBA groups, but no irreversible damage occurred. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these phenotypic changes, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted to assess differential changes in gene expression and metabolite levels in the three groups of ground squirrels, with a focus on GO and KEGG pathway analysis. Transcriptomic analysis showed that differentially expressed genes were involved in the remodeling of cytoskeletal proteins, reduction in protein synthesis, and downregulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway during hibernation (including LT and IBA groups), as compared with the SA group. Metabolomic analysis revealed increased free amino acids, activation of the glutathione antioxidant system, altered cardiac fatty acid metabolic preferences, and enhanced pentose phosphate pathway activity during hibernation as compared with the SA group. Combining the transcriptomic and metabolomic data, active mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and creatine-phosphocreatine energy shuttle systems were observed, as well as inhibition of ferroptosis signaling pathways during hibernation as compared with the SA group. In conclusion, these results provide new insights into cardio-protection in hibernators from the perspective of gene and metabolite changes and deepen our understanding of adaptive cardio-protection mechanisms in mammalian hibernators.

Sodium current preserves electrical excitability in the heart of hibernating ground squirrel (Citellus undulatus)

Hibernating mammals are capable of maintaining normal cardiac function at low temperatures. Excitability of cardiac myocytes crucially depends on the fast sodium current (I_Na), which is decreased in hypothermia due to both depolarization of resting membrane potential and direct negative effect of low temperature. Therefore, I_Na in hibernating mammals should have specific features allowing to maintain excitability of myocardium at low temperatures. The current-voltage dependence of I_Na, its steady-state inactivation and activation and recovery from inactivation were studied in winter hibernating (WH) and summer active (SA) ground squirrels and in rats using whole-cell patch clamp at 10 °C and 20 °C. I_Na peak amplitude and the parameters of steady-state activation and inactivation curves did not differ between SA and WH ground squirrels at both temperatures. However, at both temperatures strong positive shift of activation and inactivation curves by 5-12 mV was observed in both WH and SA ground squirrels if compared to rats. This peculiarity of cardiac I_Na in ground squirrels helps to maintain excitability in conditions of depolarized resting membrane potential. The time course of I_Na recovery from inactivation at 10 °C was faster in WH than in SA ground squirrels, which could ensure normal activation of myocardium during hibernation.

Temperature-Dependent Alternative Splicing of Precursor mRNAs and Its Biological Significance: A Review Focused on Post-Transcriptional Regulation of a Cold Shock Protein Gene in Hibernating Mammals

Multiple mRNA isoforms are often generated during processing such as alternative splicing of precursor mRNAs (pre-mRNA), resulting in a diversity of generated proteins. Alternative splicing is an essential mechanism for the functional complexity of eukaryotes. Temperature, which is involved in all life activities at various levels, is one of regulatory factors for controlling patterns of alternative splicing. Temperature-dependent alternative splicing is associated with various phenotypes such as flowering and circadian clock in plants and sex determination in poikilothermic animals. In some specific situations, temperature-dependent alternative splicing can be evoked even in homothermal animals. For example, the splicing pattern of mRNA for a cold shock protein, cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP or CIRBP), is changed in response to a marked drop in body temperature during hibernation of hamsters. In this review, we describe the current knowledge about mechanisms and functions of temperature-dependent alternative splicing in plants and animals. Then we discuss the physiological significance of hypothermia-induced alternative splicing of a cold shock protein gene in hibernating and non-hibernating animals.

Factors limiting the duration of artificially induced torpor in mice

The possibility of artificial induction of a torpid state in animals that do not naturally do so, as well as in humans, offers a great potential in biomedicine and in human spaceflight. However, the mechanisms of action that provide a coordinated and concomitant downregulation with a safe recovery from this state are poorly understood. In our previous study, we demonstrated that the metabolic rate of mice can be reduced by nearly 94% and can remain stable under hypothermic conditions for a prolonged period of up to 11 h. The present study was carried out in order to test the limitations and identify potential factors that can enable the safe and reversible arousal of non-hibernating mice from deep artificially-induced torpor to an active state. Results demonstrate that the energy budget may be a limiting factor for the prolongation and safe recovery from the hypometabolic state. While the continuation of torpor may be possible for additional hours, we found that a reduction of 40% or more in the plasma glucose level increases the risk of heart fibrillation, which results in death during arousal. Therefore, the plasma glucose level could be a component of the criteria indicating the reversibility of torpor. Another important factor complementing the energetic necessity that may limit the duration of torpor in mice is a gradual reduction in body mass during torpor. Under the conditions of our experiment, body mass declines by nearly 15% after 16 h from the initiation of torpor and may continue to decline if the mice are allowed to remain in torpor longer. Extrapolation of this data suggests that there may be a critical mass relating to animal mortality and thus limiting the duration of torpor. Control and maintenance of the body mass and glucose level in a torpid animal may extend the longevity of torpor and mitigate the risk of cardiac failure during rewarming to the metabolically active state. The cardiac complications that occur during arousal from torpor in many cases could be mitigated and even avoided by applying appropriate temperature-arising kinetics and providing a sufficient dynamic range to maintain cardiac output.

The Mechanism Enabling Hibernation in Mammals

Some rodents including squirrels and hamsters undergo hibernation. During hibernation, body temperature drops to only a few degrees above ambient temperature. The suppression of whole-body energy expenditure is associated with regulated, but not passive, reduction of cellular metabolism. The heart retains the ability to beat constantly, although body temperature drops to less than 10 °C during hibernation. Cardiac myocytes of hibernating mammals are characterized by reduced Ca²⁺ entry into the cell membrane and a concomitant enhancement of Ca²⁺ release from and reuptake by the sarcoplasmic reticulum. These adaptive changes would help in preventing excessive Ca²⁺ entry and its overload and in maintaining the resting levels of intracellular Ca²⁺. Adaptive changes in gene expression in the heart prior to hibernation may be indispensable for acquiring cold resistance. In addition, protective effects of cold-shock proteins are thought to have an important role. We recently reported the unique expression pattern of cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) in the hearts of hibernating hamsters. The CIRP mRNA is constitutively expressed in the heart of a nonhibernating euthermic hamster with several different forms probably due to alternative splicing. The short product contained the complete open reading frame for full-length CIRP, while the long product had inserted sequences containing a stop codon, suggesting production of a C-terminal deletion isoform of CIRP. In contrast to nonhibernating hamsters, only the short product was found in hibernating animals. Thus, these results indicate that CIRP expression in the hamster heart is regulated at the level of alternative splicing, which would permit a rapid increment of functional CIRP when entering hibernation. We will summarize the current understanding of the cold-resistant property of the heart in hibernating animals.

Immune Modulation of Brown(ing) Adipose Tissue in Obesity

Obesity is associated with a variety of medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases and is therefore responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates. Increasing energy expenditure by brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a current novel strategy to reduce the excessive energy stores in obesity. Brown adipocytes burn energy to generate heat and are mainly activated upon cold exposure. As prolonged cold exposure is not a realistic therapy, researchers worldwide are searching for novel ways to activate BAT and/or induce beiging of white adipose tissue. Recently, the contribution of immune cells in the regulation of brown adipocyte activity and beiging of white adipose tissue has gained increased attention, with a prominent role for eosinophils and alternatively activated macrophages. This review discusses the rediscovery of BAT, presents an overview of modes of activation and differentiation of beige and brown adipocytes, and describes the recently discovered immunological pathways that are key in mediating brown/beige adipocyte development and function. Interventions in immunological pathways harbor the potential to provide novel strategies to increase beige and brown adipose tissue activity as a therapeutic target for obesity.

Hibernation-specific alternative splicing of the mRNA encoding cold-inducible RNA-binding protein in the hearts of hamsters

The hearts of hibernating animals are capable of maintaining constant beating despite a decrease in body temperature to less than 10 °C during hibernation, suggesting that the hearts of hibernators are highly tolerant to a cold temperature. In the present study, we examined the expression pattern of cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) in the hearts of hibernating hamsters, since CIRP plays important roles in protection of various types of cells against harmful effects of cold temperature. RT-PCR analysis revealed that CIRP mRNA is constitutively expressed in the heart of a non-hibernating euthermic hamster with several different forms probably due to alternative splicing. The short product contained the complete open reading frame for full-length CIRP. On the other hand, the long product had inserted sequences containing a stop codon, suggesting production of a C-terminal deletion isoform of CIRP. In contrast to non-hibernating hamsters, only the short product was amplified in hibernating animals. Induction of artificial hypothermia in non-hibernating hamsters did not completely mimic the splicing patterns observed in hibernating animals, although a partial shift from long form mRNA to short form was observed. Our results indicate that CIRP expression in the hamster heart is regulated at the level of alternative splicing, which would permit a rapid increment of functional CIRP when entering hibernation.

Restoration of vital activity of cooled animals without rewarming the body

The fatality of deep hypothermia in non-hibernating mammals follows the cessation of respiration and heart beat, and a massive influx of calcium (Ca(++)) into cells. This review presents evidence relating to restoration of key physiological functions during hypothermia in several animal preparations. For example, in anaesthetized hypothermic rats (body temperature 16-17 degrees C), a pharmacologically induced reduction in intracellular [Ca(++)] [via intravenous administration of an ethylenediaminetatraacetate (EDTA) solution (0.15-0.16 mmole)] has been shown to restore cold shivering and respiration after several minutes. Also, activity in an isolated rat heart preparation has been shown to be halted when temperature is reduced in the range 14-12 degrees C. However, decreasing the perfusate [potassium] by a factor of 2-3 relative to normal blood levels restored contractile activity. In conclusion, it is possible to restore the activity of key physiological systems involved in the thermoregulatory responses to sustained hypothermia without the need to rewarm the organism.

Mechanism of suppression of physiological functions in hypothermia and means for their stimulation without body warming

Cold-suppressed thermoregulatory reactions and respiration in rats in deep hypothermia (rectal body temperature (25-22 degrees C) were shown to be stimulated by injecting disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution into the blood stream of cold rats at a dose of 16.5 mg/100 g (0.0045 mmol/100 g). EDTA binds Ca2+ ions in the blood, forming complexes. Increases in cold shivering and pulmonary respiration (by 5 min after the start of administration) coincided with a reduction in the blood Ca2+ concentration by 42-45% of normal. By 15 min after the start of the EDTA injection, the blood Ca2+ concentration returned to the normal level present in cold rats before EDTA treatment. This was accompanied by suppression of cold shivering and pulmonary respiration. Repeated injection of EDTA into the blood stream produced a new drop in blood Ca2+ and repeated stimulation of cold shivering and pulmonary respiration.

Lowering intracellular and extracellular calcium contents prevents cytotoxic effects of ethylene glycol-based vitrification solution in unfertilized mouse oocytes

We investigated the characteristics of the changes in intracellular calcium (Ca2+) concentration ([Ca2+](i)) and the viability of the unfertilized mouse oocytes exposed to various concentrations of ethylene glycol (EG)-containing solutions or vitrification solutions. Oocytes exposed to EG (1, 5, 10, 20, and 40% (v/v)) exhibited a rapid and dose-dependent increase in [Ca2+](i). The survival rate was 100% when oocytes were exposed to the EG concentration up to 5% through 5 min, while all oocytes were dead within 3 min when exposed to 10, 20, or 40% EG. When extracellular Ca2+ was removed, increase in [Ca2+](i) at 10 and 20% EG was less than that at the same concentrations of EG with extracellular Ca2+. The survival rates of the oocytes exposed to 10, 20, and 40% EG at 3 min were 100, 97, and 0%, respectively. In the presence of 20 microM 1,2-bis(o-aminopheoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetra acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA-AM), a Ca2+ chelator, a small increase in [Ca2+](i) exposed to 10, 20, and 40% EG was observed until 4 min. Subsequently prolonged elevation of the [Ca2+](i) was observed in the oocytes exposed to 40% EG but not with 10 and 20% EG. The survival rate of the oocytes, in the presence of 20 microM BAPTA-AM, exposed to 10 and 20% EG was 100% throughout 5 min, while the oocytes exposed to 40% EG were alive only for 3 min. Treatment by the vitrification solution with various concentrations of EG (10, 20, and 40%) caused a smaller increase in [Ca2+](i), while the survival rates were higher compared to those without vitrification solution at the same concentrations of EG. These data suggested that the sustained [Ca2+](i) rises by EG in unfertilized mouse oocytes resulted in cell death. Therefore, the lowering of [Ca2+](i) in the oocytes exposed to the cryoprotectant may improve the viability of cryopreserved unfertilized oocytes.

Cold-induced calcium elevation triggers DNA fragmentation in immature pig oocytes

Fluo-4 loaded immature oocytes were cooled from 30 degrees C to various lower temperatures between 20 and 10 degrees C and changes in intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) levels were measured. Pig oocytes cooled to 14 degrees C exhibited a clear biphasic Ca(2+) rise. Lower temperatures produced similar responses, while higher temperatures did not exert any effect. The Ca(2+) response appeared to rely on ryanodine dependent stores as removal of extracellular Ca(2+) and intracytoplasmic injection of heparin did not modify cold-induced Ca(2+) elevation, while procaine or ruthenium red virtually eliminated the response. Confocal analysis of subcellular Ca(2+) distribution during cooling revealed that the ion rises sharply within the nucleus. As Ca(2+) imbalance may activate nuclear endonucleases, DNA integrity of cooled pig oocytes was evaluated by TUNEL and comet assays. Most cooled oocytes showed clear signs of DNA fragmentation. Oocytes injected with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetracetic acid tetrapotassium salt (BAPTA), a Ca(2+) chelator, maintained their DNA integrity thus confirming that intracellular Ca(2+) is involved in triggering DNA fragmentation. The protective effect exerted by ruthenium red and/or procaine further confirmed this hypothesis. These data show that a moderate and transient cooling is sufficient to cause an intracellular Ca(2+) rise that leads to DNA damage. The addition of inhibitors of ryanodine dependent Ca(2+) stores may represent a valuable protective treatment to reduce chilling injuries.

Climate variations and the physiological basis of temperature dependent biogeography: systemic to molecular hierarchy of thermal tolerance in animals

The physiological mechanisms limiting and adjusting cold and heat tolerance have regained interest in the light of global warming and associated shifts in the geographical distribution of ectothermic animals. Recent comparative studies, largely carried out on marine ectotherms, indicate that the processes and limits of thermal tolerance are linked with the adjustment of aerobic scope and capacity of the whole animal as a crucial step in thermal adaptation on top of parallel adjustments at the molecular or membrane level. In accordance with Shelford's law of tolerance decreasing whole animal aerobic scope characterises the onset of thermal limitation at low and high pejus thresholds (pejus=getting worse). The drop in aerobic scope of an animal indicated by falling oxygen levels in the body fluids and or the progressively limited capacity of circulatory and ventilatory mechanisms. At high temperatures, excessive oxygen demand causes insufficient oxygen levels in the body fluids, whereas at low temperatures the aerobic capacity of mitochondria may become limiting for ventilation and circulation. Further cooling or warming beyond these limits leads to low or high critical threshold temperatures (T(c)) where aerobic scope disappears and transition to an anaerobic mode of mitochondrial metabolism and progressive insufficiency of cellular energy levels occurs. The adjustments of mitochondrial densities and their functional properties appear as a critical process in defining and shifting thermal tolerance windows. The finding of an oxygen limited thermal tolerance owing to loss of aerobic scope is in line with Taylor's and Weibel's concept of symmorphosis, which implies that excess capacity of any component of the oxygen delivery system is avoided. The present study suggests that the capacity of oxygen delivery is set to a level just sufficient to meet maximum oxygen demand between the average highs and lows of environmental temperatures. At more extreme temperatures only time limited passive survival is supported by anaerobic metabolism or the protection of molecular functions by heat shock proteins and antioxidative defence. As a corollary, the first line of thermal sensitivity is due to capacity limitations at a high level of organisational complexity, i.e. the integrated function of the oxygen delivery system, before individual, molecular or membrane functions become disturbed. These interpretations are in line with the more general consideration that, as a result of the high level of complexity of metazoan organisms compared with simple eukaryotes and then prokaryotes, thermal tolerance is reduced in metazoans. A similar sequence of sensitivities prevails within the metazoan organism, with the highest sensitivity at the organismic level and wider tolerance windows at lower levels of complexity. However, the situation is different in that loss in aerobic scope and progressive hypoxia at the organismic level define the onset of thermal limitation which then transfers to lower hierarchical levels and causes cellular and molecular disturbances. Oxygen limitation contributes to oxidative stress and, finally, denaturation or malfunction of molecular repair, e.g. during suspension of protein synthesis. The sequence of thermal tolerance limits turns into a hierarchy, ranging from systemic to cellular to molecular levels.

Invited review: molecular adaptations in mammalian hibernators: unique adaptations or generalized responses?

Hibernators are unique among mammals in their ability to attain, withstand, and reverse low body temperatures. Hibernators repeatedly cycle between body temperatures near zero during torpor and 37 degrees C during euthermy. How do these mammals maintain cardiac function, cell integrity, blood fluidity, and energetic balance during their prolonged periods at low body temperature and avoid damage when they rewarm? Hibernation is often considered an example of a unique adaptation for low-temperature function in mammals. Although such adaptation is apparent at the level of whole animal physiology, it is surprisingly difficult to demonstrate clear examples of adaptations at the cellular and biochemical levels that improve function in the cold and are unique to hibernators. Instead of adaptation for improved function in the cold, the key molecular adaptations of hibernation may be to exploit the cold to depress most aspects of biochemical function and then rewarm without damage to restore optimal function of all systems. These capabilities are likely due to novel regulation of biochemical pathways shared by all mammals, including humans.