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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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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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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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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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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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Cerri M, Hitrec T, Luppi M, Amici R. Be cool to be far: Exploiting hibernation for space exploration. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 128:218-232. [PMID: 34144115 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, torpor/hibernation is a state that is characterized by an active reduction in metabolic rate followed by a progressive decrease in body temperature. Torpor was successfully mimicked in non-hibernators by inhibiting the activity of neurons within the brainstem region of the Raphe Pallidus, or by activating the adenosine A1 receptors in the brain. This state, called synthetic torpor, may be exploited for many medical applications, and for space exploration, providing many benefits for biological adaptation to the space environment, among which an enhanced protection from cosmic rays. As regards the use of synthetic torpor in space, to fully evaluate the degree of physiological advantage provided by this state, it is strongly advisable to move from Earth-based experiments to 'in the field' tests, possibly on board the International Space Station.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Cerri
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum -University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S.Donato, 2 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Timna Hitrec
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum -University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S.Donato, 2 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Marco Luppi
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum -University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S.Donato, 2 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Roberto Amici
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum -University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S.Donato, 2 40126, Bologna, Italy.
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Przybylska-Piech AS, Wojciechowski MS, Jefimow M. Polymorphism of winter phenotype in Siberian hamster: consecutive litters do not differ in photoresponsiveness but prolonged acclimation to long photoperiod inhibits winter molt. Front Zool 2021; 18:11. [PMID: 33731152 PMCID: PMC7971963 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-021-00391-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The theory of delayed life history effects assumes that phenotype of adult individual results from environmental conditions experienced at birth and as juvenile. In seasonal environments, being born late in the reproductive season affects timing of puberty, body condition, longevity, and fitness. We hypothesized that late-born individuals are more prone to respond to short photoperiod (SP) than early born ones. We used Siberian hamsters Phodopus sungorus, a model species characterized by high polymorphism of winter phenotype. We experimentally distinguished the effect of litter order (first or third) from the effect of exposure to long photoperiod (LP) before winter (3 months or 5 months) by manipulating the duration of LP acclimation in both litters. We predicted that, irrespective of the litter order, individuals exposed to long photoperiod for a short time have less time to gather energy resources and consequently are more prone to developing energy-conserving phenotypes. To assess effect of litter order, duration of acclimation to long days, and phenotype on basal cost of living we measured basal metabolic rate (BMR) of hamsters. RESULTS Individuals born in third litters had faster growth rates and were bigger than individuals from first litters, but these differences vanished before transfer to SP. Litter order or duration of LP acclimation had no effects on torpor use or seasonal body mass changes, but prolonged acclimation to LP inhibited winter molting both in first and third litters. Moreover, individuals that did not molt had significantly higher BMR in SP than those which molted to white fur. Although one phenotype usually predominated within a litter, littermates were often heterogeneous. We also found that over 10% of individuals presented late response to short photoperiod. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that duration of postnatal exposure to LP may define propensity to photoresponsiveness, regardless of the litter in which animal was born. Existence of littermates presenting different phenotypes suggests a prudent reproductive strategy of investing into offspring of varied phenotypes, that might be favored depending on environmental conditions. This strategy could have evolved in response to living in stochastic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Przybylska-Piech
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Ecology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland.
| | - Michał S Wojciechowski
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Ecology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Jefimow
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
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Preußner M, Heyd F. Temperature‐controlled Rhythmic Gene Expression in Endothermic Mammals: All Diurnal Rhythms are Equal, but Some are Circadian. Bioessays 2018; 40:e1700216. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201700216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Preußner
- Laboratory of RNA BiochemistryInstitute of Chemistry and BiochemistryFreie Universität Berlin Takustrasse 6Berlin14195Germany
| | - Florian Heyd
- Laboratory of RNA BiochemistryInstitute of Chemistry and BiochemistryFreie Universität Berlin Takustrasse 6Berlin14195Germany
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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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Drew KL, Frare C, Rice SA. Neural Signaling Metabolites May Modulate Energy Use in Hibernation. Neurochem Res 2017; 42:141-150. [PMID: 27878659 PMCID: PMC5284051 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-2109-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Despite an epidemic in obesity and metabolic syndrome limited means exist to effect adiposity or metabolic rate other than life style changes. Here we review evidence that neural signaling metabolites may modulate thermoregulatory pathways and offer novel means to fine tune energy use. We extend prior reviews on mechanisms that regulate thermogenesis and energy use in hibernation by focusing primarily on the neural signaling metabolites adenosine, AMP and glutamate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Drew
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 902 N. Koyukuk Drive, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA.
| | - Carla Frare
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 902 N. Koyukuk Drive, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA
| | - Sarah A Rice
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 902 N. Koyukuk Drive, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA
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Geiser F, Gasch K, Bieber C, Stalder GL, Gerritsmann H, Ruf T. Basking hamsters reduce resting metabolism, body temperature and energy costs during rewarming from torpor. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 219:2166-72. [PMID: 27207637 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.137828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Basking can substantially reduce thermoregulatory energy expenditure of mammals. We tested the hypothesis that the largely white winter fur of hamsters (Phodopus sungorus), originating from Asian steppes, may be related to camouflage to permit sun basking on or near snow. Winter-acclimated hamsters in our study were largely white and had a high proclivity to bask when resting and torpid. Resting hamsters reduced metabolic rate (MR) significantly (>30%) when basking at ambient temperatures (Ta) of ∼15 and 0°C. Interestingly, body temperature (Tb) also was significantly reduced from 34.7±0.6°C (Ta 15°C, not basking) to 30.4±2.0°C (Ta 0°C, basking), which resulted in an extremely low (<50% of predicted) apparent thermal conductance. Induced torpor (food withheld) during respirometry at Ta 15°C occurred on 83.3±36.0% of days and the minimum torpor MR was 36% of basal MR at an average Tb of 22.0±2.6°C; movement to the basking lamp occurred at Tb<20.0°C. Energy expenditure for rewarming was significantly reduced (by >50%) during radiant heat-assisted rewarming; however, radiant heat per se without an endogenous contribution by animals did not strongly affect metabolism and Tb during torpor. Our data show that basking substantially modifies thermal energetics in hamsters, with a drop of resting Tb and MR not previously observed and a reduction of rewarming costs. The energy savings afforded by basking in hamsters suggest that this behaviour is of energetic significance not only for mammals living in deserts, where basking is common, but also for P. sungorus and probably other cold-climate mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fritz Geiser
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstrasse 1, Vienna 1160, Austria
| | - Kristina Gasch
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstrasse 1, Vienna 1160, Austria
| | - Claudia Bieber
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstrasse 1, Vienna 1160, Austria
| | - Gabrielle L Stalder
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstrasse 1, Vienna 1160, Austria
| | - Hanno Gerritsmann
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstrasse 1, Vienna 1160, Austria
| | - Thomas Ruf
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstrasse 1, Vienna 1160, Austria
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Sieck GC. Physiology in Perspective: Fulfilling the Promise of Tissue Engineering. Physiology (Bethesda) 2015; 31:5-6. [PMID: 26661523 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00053.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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