鳊幼鱼能量代谢和个性行为的个体变异及表型关联

自然界中动物的表型特征(如形态、生理和行为)存在明显的种内个体差异,并且该差异在不同环境条件下保持稳定。为考察鲤科鱼类能量代谢和个性行为的个体差异及二者的关联,以鳊(Parabramis pekinensis)幼鱼为实验对象,在(25.0±0.5)℃条件下测定30尾鳊幼鱼的标准代谢率(SMR)、最大代谢率(MMR,由力竭运动诱导)和过量耗氧(EPOC)并计算代谢空间(MS)和相对代谢空间(FAS),随后测定鳊幼鱼的勇敢性(Boldness)和活跃性(Activity)两个个性行为学指标(测定Ⅰ),1个月后(测定Ⅱ)重复测定该种鱼的上述表型特征参数。结果显示:(1)1个月后鳊幼鱼的体重和体长均显著增加且具有较好的重复性(二者P0.05)。(2)除MMR、MS、FAS和EPOC外,鳊幼鱼SMR具有明显的重复性;SMR与MS、FAS以及EPOC均呈现负相关(所有P0.05),与MMR不相关;MS和FAS与MMR呈现正相关(二者P0.01);实验期间,鳊幼鱼部分能量代谢参数的相关性保持不变。(3)鳊的勇敢性(潜伏时间)重复性较差,且测定Ⅱ鳊幼鱼的潜伏时间明显增加(P0.05),测定Ⅰ和测定Ⅱ的潜伏时间与SMR均不相关;活跃性的移动路程、游泳速度和运动时间比的重复性较差,三者之间的正相关不受时间影响;相比较测定Ⅰ,测定Ⅱ鳊幼鱼活跃性的3个指标均明显增加(所有P0.05)。(4)不论测定Ⅰ还是测定Ⅱ鳊幼鱼的SMR与实验期间特定体重增长率(SGR)均呈正相关(二者P0.01)。研究表明在实验室环境条件下鳊幼鱼的能量代谢和个性行为具有非平行的变化规律和重复性,表型特征之间存在关联,并且这些关联受环境条件的影响程度不尽相同;研究还提示该种鱼的SMR在短期内可预测个体的生长率。     

鲫幼鱼游泳运动能力的个体变异与表型关联

为考察鲤科鱼类运动能力的个体变异和表型关联及不同加速度对匀加速游泳能力的影响, 研究在(25±0.5)℃条件下测定鲫(Carassius auratus)幼鱼的静止代谢率(Resting metabolic rate, RMR), 通过临界游泳速度(Critical swimming speed, U_crit)法和过量耗氧(EPOC)法获取实验鱼的最大代谢率(Maximum metabolic rate, MMR)、代谢空间(Aerobic scope, AS=MMR-RMR)、相对代谢空间(Factorial aerobic scope, FAS=MMR/RMR)、U_crit及步法转换速度(Gait transition speed, U_gt), 并在不同加速度(0.083、0.167、0.250、0.333 cm/s2)下测定鲫幼鱼的匀加速游泳能力(Constant accelerated test, U_cat)和U_gt。研究发现: 鲫幼鱼的MMR和AS与U_crit均呈正相关, 但RMR与U_crit不相关; 能量代谢参数(MMR、AS、RMR)与U_gt不相关。U_crit法获取的MMR、AS、FAS与EPOC法均无平均值的显著性差异, 但2种方法获得的上述参数具有较高的个体重复性; 鲫幼鱼的能量代谢参数之间存在表型关联并且关联方向不尽相同。鲫幼鱼的U_crit和U_gt均小于各加速度下的U_cat和U_gt, 加速度对U_cat测定无影响但对U_gt有影响。鲫幼鱼的U_gt与U_crit或U_cat呈正相关, 并且其匀加速游泳能力参数在不同加速度下保持较高的重复性。除0.333 cm/s2外, 其他加速度下鲫幼鱼U_cat的无氧代谢组分(U_cat-U_gt)与U_cat呈正相关; 然而, 鲫幼鱼的有氧代谢组分(U_gt)与无氧代谢组分(U_cat-U_gt)呈负相关。研究表明: U_crit法和EPOC法诱导鲫幼鱼的有氧代谢能力无方法学差异; 鲫幼鱼的能量代谢存在表型关联, 其匀加速游泳能力具有稳定个体差异, 并且该种鱼的有氧代谢与无氧代谢存在权衡。     

重复垂钓对鲫幼鱼易钓性和能量代谢及个性的影响

先捕后放是一种重要的鱼类资源保护策略和渔业管理手段。经历先捕后放的被钓鱼类个体的生理与行为会发生变化。当这些个体再次面对人工垂钓诱饵时,可能会呈现更加谨慎的摄饵或鱼钩回避行为。为考察重复垂钓对鱼类易钓性、能量代谢和个性的影响,本研究以鲤科鱼类鲫(Carassius auratus)幼鱼为实验对象,在(25.3±0.1)℃水温条件下对垂钓组和对照组进行3次的能量代谢(标准代谢率,SMR;最大代谢,MMR)和个性(勇敢性、活跃性)测定。其中,垂钓组需进行垂钓实验,而对照组不进行任何垂钓操作。研究发现：(1)重复垂钓显著降低鲫幼鱼的垂钓率,但明显增加单尾平均垂钓时间和整体死亡率。(2)重复垂钓降低鲫幼鱼的体重、肥满度、SMR、MMR、代谢空间(AS)和相对代谢空间(FAS),但整体上不影响勇敢性和活跃性。(3)在测定Ⅰ中,高易钓性个体的体长和开阔区运动时间比大于低易钓性个体,但前者的肥满度小于后者。然而,在测定Ⅱ和Ⅲ中,高易钓性个体的形态参数、能量代谢、个性(勇敢性和活跃性)与低易钓性个体并无差异。研究表明：重复垂钓明显降低鲫幼鱼的易钓性,并且种内个体易钓性的变化方向不尽相同;重复垂钓对鲫幼...     

鲤幼鱼标准代谢率的个体差异与运动性能和摄食代谢的关系

为考察鲤科鱼类种内个体标准代谢率的差异及其与运动性能和摄食性能的内在关联,本研究以我国广泛分布的鲤(Cyprinids cardio)幼鱼[体重(4.79±0.08)g,n=36]为实验对象,在(25.0±1.0)℃下分别测量实验鱼的标准代谢率(SMR),随后测定单尾鱼的特殊动力作用(SDA)、自发运动、临界游泳速度以及活跃代谢率(MO2active)。实验鱼标准代谢率(SMR)的变幅为76.7~317.6 mg/(kg·h),其变异系数(CV)达24.4%;实验鱼在10 min内的尾鳍摆动次数(P0.05)和摄食代谢峰值(P0.05)均与标准代谢率(SMR)呈正相关;活跃代谢率(MO2active)(P0.05)与摄食代谢峰值以及活跃代谢范围与摄食代谢范围(P0.05)均呈正相关。然而,鲤幼鱼的标准代谢率(SMR)与相对临界游泳速度、活跃代谢率(MO2active)、特殊动力作用(SDA)时间和特殊动力作用(SDA)总量均不相关(所有P0.05)。研究表明,较高标准代谢率(SMR)的鲤幼鱼个体表现较高的活跃性和较强的摄食代谢能力,可能有助于其更易发现食物、逃避天敌以及加快食物处理。     

异育银鲫易钓性的表型基础和生态结果及饥饿响应

为考察鲤科鱼类易钓性种内差异的表型基础、生态结果及饥饿响应, 研究以异育银鲫(Carassius auratus gibelio)幼鱼为实验对象, 在饥饿前(对照组)测定其表型特征(能量代谢、游泳能力和个性行为)并垂钓, 随后在饥饿1周后再次垂钓(饥饿组), 最后进行2周的恢复摄食生长实验(恢复组)。垂钓实验具有4个重复, 每个重复的样本量为40尾, 垂钓1.5h即停止, 垂钓20尾为钓出组, 剩余20尾为未钓出组。研究发现: 除钓出组的相对代谢空间(FAS)小于未钓出组外, 钓出组的外部形态(体重、体长和肥满度)、能量代谢参数(标准代谢率SMR、最大代谢率MMR和代谢空间AS)、游泳能力(最大匀加速游泳能力U_cat和最大有氧运动能力U_gt)及个性行为(探索性、活跃性和勇敢性)与未钓出组均无明显差异(所有P>0.05); 在经历捕食者模拟袭击后, 实验鱼勇敢性的潜伏时间比大于探索性, 导致勇敢性的运动时间比和穿门频率小于探索性。SMR与U_cat及U_gt不相关(P>0.05), 但MMR和AS与U_cat及U_gt均呈正相关(P<0.05); 能量代谢参数与个性行为存在部分相关。饥饿增加异育银鲫的垂钓总时间、单尾平均垂钓时间和单尾垂钓时间的变异系数。钓出组在饥饿期的特定生长率(SGR)小于未钓出组, 而恢复期钓出组的SGR与未钓出组无显著差异; 除MMR和AS外, SMR与饥饿期及恢复期的SGR均呈负相关(P<0.05), 即SMR越高个体在饥饿期间的体重下降更快, 在恢复摄食后生长却较慢。研究表明: 异育银鲫幼鱼的易钓性可能不具备表型基础, 并且因环境食物匮乏而降低; 虽然饥饿期间两种易钓性表型个体的生态结果存在差异, 但该生长差异在营养恢复后消失, 表明异育银鲫的易钓性具有一定的环境依赖性。     

营养状态和代谢范围对锦鲫幼鱼群体行为的影响

为考察营养状态和代谢范围对鱼类群体行为的影响,研究以锦鲫(Carassius auratus)幼鱼为实验对象,在(25.4±0.2)℃条件下先测定其摄食代谢和能量代谢(标准代谢率, SMR;最大代谢率, MMR)计算代谢范围(AS=MMR–SMR),再测定5个“营养-AS”处理组的锦鲫鱼群体中的个体空间位置、摄食量及个体特征(如个体游泳速度和加速度)和群体特征(如个体游泳速度同步性、个体间距离、最近邻距离和群体极性)。研究发现:营养状态、饥饿、代谢范围、摄食和消化对鱼群中的个体空间位置均无影响。饥饿和消化对锦鲫群体的凝聚力并无影响,但饥饿降低该种鱼群体协调性的现象仅在消化期间存在,即群体中个体食物获取能力导致消化策略并非相同,由此引发个体游泳运动同步性更加紊乱,最终导致群体协调性下降。在正常营养状态的锦鲫群体中,群体前部的空间可赋予个体获得更多食物资源的生态收益,但饥饿消除该群体中个体空间分布生态收益的异质性。对照组摄食量与摄食水平与预测剩余的AS呈负相关,饥饿组摄食量与摄食水平与预测剩余的AS不相关。研究表明:在正常营养状态的锦鲫群体中,群体前部的空间可赋予个体获得更多食物资源的生态...     

饥饿对中华倒刺鲃幼鱼代谢、个性和集群的影响

在自然界中,环境变化、季节更替和人为因素造成食物资源时空分布的不均一性,导致鱼类经常面临食物资源短缺的环境胁迫,对其能量代谢和行为造成一定影响。为考察食物资源短缺下暖水性鲤科鱼类能量代谢、个性与集群行为的应对策略及其可能的内在关联,选取中华倒刺鲃(Spinibarbus sinensis)幼鱼为实验对象,分别测定饥饿组(2周)和对照组(维持日粮)在处理前后实验鱼的标准代谢率(Standard metabolic rate,SMR)、个性行为(勇敢性、探索性和活跃性)以及实验处理后的集群行为(凝聚力和协调性)。研究发现:(1)饥饿组和对照组实验过程中实验鱼SMR均显著下降,但仅饥饿组实验鱼SMR具有重复性;(2)饥饿导致中华倒刺鲃幼鱼勇敢性、探索性、活跃性均显著增加;(3)饥饿导致群体成员间距离缩短,游泳速度及其同步性上升。研究表明:饥饿后的中华倒刺鲃不仅适应性降低SMR以减少能量消耗,而且呈现出更高的勇敢性、探索性和活跃性以利于获取食物资源;饥饿迫使中华倒刺鲃群体提高凝聚力和协调性,可能有助于提高群体的生存能力。     

锦鲫幼鱼标准代谢率与生长性能的关联

为考察温水性鲤科鱼类在不同食物资源条件下标准代谢率(Standard metabolic rate, SMR)与其生长性能的关系, 研究在(25.00.5)℃条件下测定体重相近的30尾锦鲫(Carassius auratus)幼鱼的SMR, 将所有实验鱼置于多单元格水槽进行实验处理(摄食与饥饿)。实验时间为4周(0、7d、14d、21d和28d), 包括两周的生长实验(014d)和两周的饥饿实验(1528d)。摄食期间, 于每天上午9: 00和下午21: 00用商业饲料对每尾鱼饱足投喂并记录投喂量。单尾鱼的体重和体长每隔1周测定一次, 而SMR仅在第0、第14和第28天测定。结果显示:(1)锦鲫幼鱼在摄食期间的体重、体长以及SMR均明显上升, 饥饿期间体重和SMR显著降低(P0.05), 但体长变化不明显; SMR不论摄食期间还是饥饿期间呈现较好的稳定性(二者P0.05)。(2)锦鲫幼鱼在摄食期间开始时的SMR (测定Ⅰ)与摄食率(FR)、摄食转化率(FE)以及特定体重生长率(SGRBM)均无相关性, 摄食期间结束时的SMR (测定Ⅱ)仅与FR呈正相关(P0.05), 但与FE以及SGRBM不相关。(3)摄食期间(饥饿期间)实验鱼的第一周日均体重增(减)量与第二周日均体重增(减)量呈正相关, 其体重的增率与减率无显著差异(P0.05)。(4)实验鱼在摄食期间的特定体重增长率(SGRBM)与饥饿期间的不相关(P0.05), 但摄食期间的特定SMR增长率(SGRSMR)与饥饿期间的呈负相关(P0.05)。研究表明在实验室环境中锦鲫幼鱼的SMR具有稳定性, 该种鱼的日均体重变化量保持相近, 此形态变化特征与SMR不相关, 并且该种鱼在实验起始时的SMR的个体差异未能预测其在实验室食物资源变动下生长性能的适应特征。     

环境类型和代谢表型对中华倒刺鲃群体行为的影响

鱼类个体因社会原因而聚集成群现象称作为鱼类群体行为,受到多种因素（如环境类型和能量代谢等）的影响。为考察代谢表型和环境类型对我国长江上游鲤科鱼类群体行为的影响,本研究以喜集群的中华倒刺鲃（Spinibarbus sinensis）为实验对象,在（26.1±0.1）℃水温条件下对该种鱼进行4种代谢表型[低标准代谢率/低代谢空间（低SMR/低AS）、低标准代谢率/高代谢空间（低SMR/高AS）、高标准代谢率/低代谢空间（高SMR/低AS）、高标准代谢率/高代谢空间（高SMR/高AS）]的分型并且在不同生态环境（无食物隐蔽场所、食物、食物隐蔽场所）条件下拍摄实验鱼的群体行为。结果发现：（1）中华倒刺鲃群体中的个体空间位置不受环境类型和代谢表型的影响;（2）中华倒刺鲃在空白环境（无食物隐蔽场所）和食物环境中的个体（群体）游泳速度和移动距离低于食物隐蔽场所环境,但前两种环境的个体游泳速度同步性高于食物隐蔽场所环境。（3）低SMR/低AS表型的个体空间位置的变异系数显著低于其它3种代谢表型;高SMR/高AS表型的最近邻距离以及与群体中间距离均大于低SMR/高AS和低SMR/低AS的两种代谢表型。然而,每种代谢表型在不同环境之间的最近邻距离均无差异。研究表明：虽然中华倒刺鲃群体中的个体空间位置不受环境类型和代谢表型影响,但不同代谢表型间的最近邻距离存在显著差异,暗示个体间的相互吸引力具有代谢表型依赖性;环境复杂性的增加可能不影响中华倒刺鲃的群体协调性。     

中华倒刺鲃能量代谢和热耐受特征的体重效应

为了探讨体重对中华倒刺鲃能量代谢和热耐受特征的影响,在25℃条件下分别测定不同体重大小(1、10、25、50 g组)中华倒刺鲃的静止代谢率(Resting metabolic rate,RMR)、力竭运动后过量耗氧(Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption,EPOC)和热耐受参数。随体重的增加,中华倒刺鲃个体RMR、最大代谢率(Maximum metabolic rate,MMR)、代谢空间(Metabolic scope,MS)和EPOC均显著增加(P0.05);单位体重RMR、MMR和MS则均显著降低,而单位体重EPOC随体重的增加显著增加(P0.05)。RMR、MMR、MS和EPOC的代谢尺度指数分别为0.796、0.834、0.849和1.137且显著大于2/3,因此中华倒刺鲃的能量代谢参数均呈异速度增加的关系而变化。这些变化可能与其个体变大游泳运动能力增强导致能量代谢需求增加相关。中华倒刺鲃临界低温(Critical thermal minimum,CT_(min))和致死低温(Lethal thermal minimum,IL_(min))与体重之间均呈"微笑型"二次函数的关系,临界高温(Critical thermal maximum,CT_(max))和致死高温(Lethal thermal maximum,IL_(max))均呈"钟型"二次函数的关系,因此中等大小的中华倒刺鲃具有更强的热耐受能力。这种非线性关系可能与其生长发育阶段和温度驯化历时有关。     

Constraints-based genome-scale metabolic simulation for systems metabolic engineering

Random mutagenesis and selection approaches used traditionally for the development of industrial strains have largely been complemented by metabolic engineering, which allows purposeful modification of metabolic and cellular characteristics by using recombinant DNA and other molecular biological techniques. As systems biology advances as a new paradigm of research thanks to the development of genome-scale computational tools and high-throughput experimental technologies including omics, systems metabolic engineering allowing modification of metabolic, regulatory and signaling networks of the cell at the systems-level is becoming possible. In silico genome-scale metabolic model and its simulation play increasingly important role in providing systematic strategies for metabolic engineering. The in silico genome-scale metabolic model is developed using genomic annotation, metabolic reactions, literature information, and experimental data. The advent of in silico genome-scale metabolic model brought about the development of various algorithms to simulate the metabolic status of the cell as a whole. In this paper, we review the algorithms developed for the system-wide simulation and perturbation of cellular metabolism, discuss the characteristics of these algorithms, and suggest future research direction.     

Leptin and metabolic control of reproduction

Leptin treatment prevents the effects of fasting on reproductive processes in a variety of species. The mechanisms that underlie these effects have not been elucidated. Progress in this area of research might be facilitated by viewing reproductive processes in relation to mechanisms that maintain fuel homeostasis. Reproduction, food intake, and fuel partitioning can be viewed as homeostatic responses controlled by a sensory system that monitors metabolic signals. These signals are generated by changes in intracellular metabolic fuel availability and oxidation rather than by changes in the amount of body fat or by changes in any aspect of body composition. Leptin might be viewed as either a mediator or as a modulator of the intracellular metabolic signal. Consistent with its purported action as a mediator of the metabolic signal, leptin synthesis and secretion are influenced acutely by changes in metabolic fuel availability, and these changes might lead to changes in reproductive function. The effects of leptin treatment on reproduction are blocked by treatments that inhibit intracellular fuel oxidation. Metabolic signals that inhibit reproduction in leptin-treated animals might act via neural pathways that are independent of leptin's action. Alternatively, both leptin and metabolic inhibitors might interact at the level of intracellular fuel oxidation. In keeping with the possibility that leptin modulates the metabolic signal, leptin treatment increases fuel availability, uptake, and oxidation in particular tissues. Leptin might affect reproduction indirectly by altering fuel oxidation or other peripheral processes such as gastric emptying. Reproductive processes are among the most energetically expensive in the female repertoire. Because leptin increases energy expenditure while simultaneously inhibiting energy intake, it may have limited use as a long-term treatment for infertility.     

Molecular and metabolic control of secondary metabolism

Secondary metabolism is restricted to specific places in the plant. The concentrations of precursors and end products are the determining factors in the metabolic control of synthesis and breakdown of the compounds involved. Molecular control operates at the level of enzyme amount and gene expression. If the secondary product contains an element in its molecule which is derived from a mineral nutrient in the environment, the operation of the control mechanisms can be studied by varying the concentration of that mineral. This is exemplified by thiophene metabolism in root cultures ofTagetes. The characteristic groups in the molecule are two five-membered rings with a sulphur atom. In the experiments, the rate of thiophene biosynthesis was manipulated by varying the sulphate concentration in the medium. Sulphur limitation led to preferential channeling of sulphur into primary metabolism and a concomitant drop in thiophene biosynthesis. The major part of the reduction was caused by a drop in enzyme activity. Substrate availability played a minor role. The results indicate that sulphur is involved in the molecular control of secondary metabolism inTagetes.Abbreviations BBT 5-(but-3-en-l-ynyl)-2,2-bithienyl - BPT 2-(but-3-en-l-ynyl)-5-(penta-1,3-diynyl)-thiophene - PYE trideca-3,5,7,9,11-pentaynene     

Nutrient sensing and metabolic decisions

Cells have several sensory systems that detect energy and metabolic status and adjust flux through metabolic pathways accordingly. Many of these sensors and signaling pathways are conserved from yeast to mammals. In this review, we bring together information about five different nutrient-sensing pathways (AMP kinase, mTOR, PAS kinase, hexosamine biosynthesis and Sir2), highlighting their similarities, differences and roles in disease.     

康氏菌科海洋细菌的系统发育与代谢潜能研究进展

康氏菌科(Kangillaceae)是海洋螺杆菌目(Oceanosprillales)下的科级分类单元,包含康氏菌属(Kangiella)、异康氏菌属(Aliikangiella)和Pleionea三个属.在康氏菌属高度精简的基因组中存在异常丰富的胞外蛋白酶编码基因,暗示此类海洋细菌对海洋颗粒有机物中的蛋白质成分降解具...     

The molecular and metabolic essentials for long-distance flight in insects

Summary The mechanism of long-distance flight in insects was investigated by comparing lipid mobilization and transport in gregarious- and solitary-phase locusts and in the American cockroach. Unlike the gregarious-phase locust, both the American cockroach and the solitary locust were unable to form low-density lipophorin (loaded with increased amount of diacylglycerol) even when injected with adipokinetic hormone (AKH). The cockroach fat body responded to AKH. However, not only does the American cockroach lack apolipophorin-III (apoLp-III) in the haemolymph, but the fat body contains only an extremely small amount of diacylglycerol and a relatively large triacylglycerol pool. By contrast, the solitary-phase locust had apoLp-III in the haemolymph, but the fat body was only one-seventh or less in weight of the fat body of the gregarious locust. Furthermore, the fat body of the solitary locust contains a very small amount of triacylglycerol (1/20 or less of that of the gregarious locust) with only a trace of diacylglycerol. It was concluded that in the American cockroach and the solitary locust, the stores of fuel in the fat body are insufficient to maintain prolonged flight.Abbreviations AKII adipokinetic hormone - apoLp-III apolipophorin III - HDLp high-density lipophorin - LDLp low-density lipophorin - LTP lipid transfer particle - MW molecular weight - SDS-PAGE sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis     

Selenium uptake,translocation, assimilation and metabolic fate in plants

The chemical and physical resemblance between selenium (Se) and sulfur (S) establishes that both these elements share common metabolic pathways in plants. The presence of isologous Se and S compounds indicates that these elements compete in biochemical processes that affect uptake, translocation and assimilation throughout plant development. Yet, minor but crucial differences in reactivity and other metabolic interactions infer that some biochemical processes involving Se may be excluded from those relating to S. This review examines the current understanding of physiological and biochemical relationships between S and Se metabolism by highlighting their similarities and differences in relation to uptake, transport and assimilation pathways as observed in Se hyperaccumulator and non-accumulator plant species. The exploitation of genetic resources used in bioengineering strategies of plants is illuminating the function of sulfate transporters and key enzymes of the S assimilatory pathway in relation to Se accumulation and final metabolic fate. These strategies are providing the basic framework by which to resolve questions relating to the essentiality of Se in plants and the mechanisms utilized by Se hyperaccumulators to circumvent toxicity. In addition, such approaches may assist in the future application of genetically engineered Se accumulating plants for environmental renewal and human health objectives.     

丙酮丁醇梭菌的基因编辑工具及代谢工程改造

丙酮丁醇梭菌作为极具潜力的新型生物燃料丁醇的生产菌,受到各国研究学者的广泛关注。通过丙酮丁醇梭菌(ABE)发酵生产丁醇,由于生产成本高,限制了其工业化应用。随着基因组学和分子生物学的快速发展,适用于丙酮丁醇的基因编辑工具不断发展并应用于提高菌株的发酵性能。本文对丙酮丁醇梭菌基因编辑工具和代谢工程改造取得的进展进行综述。     

Reduction of metabolic rate and thermoregulation during daily torpor

Physiological mechanisms causing reduction of metabolic rate during torpor in heterothermic endotherms are controversial. The original view that metabolic rate is reduced below the basal metabolic rate because the lowered body temperature reduces tissue metabolism has been challenged by a recent hypothesis which claims that metabolic rate during torpor is actively downregulated and is a function of the differential between body temperature and ambient temperature, rather than body temperature per se. In the present study, both the steady-state metabolic rate and body temperature of torpid stripe-faced dunnarts, Sminthopsis macroura (Dasyuridae: Marsupialia), showed two clearly different phases in response to change of air temperature. At air temperatures between 14 and 30°C, metabolic rate and body temperature decreased with air temperature, and metabolic rate showed an exponential relationship with body temperature (r ²=0.74). The Q ₁₀ for metabolic rate was between 2 and 3 over the body temperature range of 16 to 32°C. The difference between body temperature and air temperature over this temperature range did not change significantly, and the metabolic rate was not related to the difference between body temperature and air temperature (P=0.35). However, the apparent conductance decreased with air temperature. At air temperatures below 14°C, metabolic rate increased linearly with the decrease of air temperature (r ²=0.58) and body temperature was maintained above 16°C, largely independent of air temperature. Over this air temperature range, metabolic rate was positively correlated with the difference between body temperature and air temperature (r ²=0.61). Nevertheless, the Q ₁₀ for metabolic rate between normothermic and torpid thermoregulating animals at the same air temperature was also in the range of 2–3. These results suggest that over the air temperature range in which body temperature of S. macroura was not metabolically defended, metabolic rate during daily torpor was largely a function of body temperature. At air temperatures below 14°C, at which the torpid animals showed an increase of metabolic rate to regulate body temperature, the negative relationship between metabolic rate and air temperature was a function of the differential between body temperature and air temperature as during normothermia. However, even in thermoregulating animals, the reduction of metabolic rate from normothermia to torpor at a given air temperature can also be explained by temperature effects.Abbreviations BM body mass - BMR basal metabolic rate - C apparent conductance - MR metabolic rate - RMR resting metabolic rate - RQ respiratory quotient - T _a air temperature - T _b body temperature - T _lc lower critical temperature - T _tc critical air temperature during torpor - TMR metabolic rate during torpor - TNZ thermoneutral zone - T difference between body temperature and air temperature - VO₂ rate of oxygen consumption