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PubMed2003

Angiotensinogen gene knockout delays and attenuates cold-induced hypertension.

The aim of the present study was to assess our hypothesis that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is responsible for cold-induced hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. Two groups of wild-type (WT) mice and 2 groups of angiotensinogen gene knockout (Agt-KO) mice (6 per group) were used. After blood pressures (BP) of the four groups were measured 3 times at room temperature (25 degrees C), 1 WT and 1 Agt-KO group were exposed to cold (5 degrees C). The remaining groups were kept at 25 degrees C. BP of the cold-exposed WT group increased significantly in 1 week of cold exposure and rose gradually to 168+/-7 mm Hg by week 5, whereas the BP of the Agt-KO group did not increase until week 3. The cold-induced increase in BP (DeltaBP) was decreased significantly in the Agt-KO mice (19+/-3 mm Hg) compared with that of the WT mice (61+/-5 mm Hg) by 5 weeks of exposure to cold. Both WT and Agt-KO groups had cardiac hypertrophy in cold to the same extent. Agt-KO caused a significant increase in nitric oxide (NO) production. Thus, the RAS may inhibit NO formation. Chronic cold exposure decreased NO production, which may be mediated partially by activation of the RAS. These results strongly support that the RAS plays a critical role in the development of cold-induced hypertension but not cardiac hypertrophy. Moreover, the role of the RAS in cold-induced hypertension may be mediated in part by its inhibition on NO production. The findings also reveal the possible relation between the RAS and NO in cardiovascular regulation.

Angiotensinogen↗

PubMed2006

Characterization of cold sensitivity and thermal preference using an operant orofacial assay.

BACKGROUND: A hallmark of many orofacial pain disorders is cold sensitivity, but relative to heat-related pain, mechanisms of cold perception and the development of cold allodynia are not clearly understood. Molecular mediators of cold sensation such as TRPM8 have been recently identified and characterized using in vitro studies. In this study we characterized operant behavior with respect to individually presented cold stimuli (24, 10, 2, and -4 degrees C) and in a thermal preference task where rats chose between -4 and 48 degrees C stimulation. We also evaluated the effects of menthol, a TRPM8 agonist, on operant responses to cold stimulation (24, 10, and -4 degrees C). Male and female rats were trained to drink sweetened milk while pressing their shaved faces against a thermode. This presents a conflict paradigm between milk reward and thermal stimulation. RESULTS: We demonstrated that the cold stimulus response function was modest compared to heat. There was a significant effect of temperature on facial (stimulus) contacts, the ratio of licking contacts to stimulus contacts, and the stimulus duration/contact ratio. Males and females differed only in their facial contacts at 10 degrees C. In the preference task, males preferred 48 degrees C to -4 degrees C, despite the fact that 48 degrees C and -4 degrees C were equally painful as based on their reward/stimulus and duration/contact ratios. We were able to induce hypersensitivity to cold using menthol at 10 degrees C, but not at 24 or -4 degrees C. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a strong role for an affective component in processing of cold stimuli, more so than for heat, which is in concordance with human psychophysical findings. The induction of allodynia with menthol provides a model for cold allodynia. This study provides the basis for future studies involving orofacial pain and analgesics, and is translatable to the human experience.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Cold exposure elevates cellular levels of messenger ribonucleic acid encoding thyrotropin-releasing hormone in paraventricular nucleus despite elevated levels of thyroid hormones.

Cold exposure increases blood levels of TSH and thyroid hormones by stimulating the secretion of TRH from the median eminence. Thyroid hormones reduce TRH release and cellular levels of TRH mRNA. Using quantitative in situ hybridization to measure changes in cellular levels of various neuropeptide mRNAs, the present studies demonstrate that cold exposure also increases cellular levels of TRH mRNA in neurons of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), supporting the concept that TRH mRNA levels are reflective of TRH secretion in these neurons. The effect of cold appeared to be specific for TRH expression in the PVN, because cold exposure did not influence cellular levels of TRH in the reticular thalamic nucleus or beta-actin and oxytocin mRNAs in the PVN. Cellular levels of mRNA encoding CRH were elevated by cold exposure. This latter observation is predictable based on the cold-induced activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. There was a 24-h rhythm and a time of day difference in the effect of cold on TRH mRNA levels in the PVN. Time of day differences in the effect of cold on CRH mRNA levels were not apparent. Cold exposure appeared to elevate TRH mRNA levels in all neurons of the PVN, indicating that the neurally mediated effect of cold on TRH expression can override the inhibitory effects of circulating T3 within the same neuronal population.

Actins↗

PubMed2006

A comparative analysis of thermogenic capacity and cold tolerance in small birds.

Small birds showing marked seasonal changes in cold tolerance also exhibit winter increases in summit metabolic rate (Msum=maximum cold-induced thermogenesis or thermogenic capacity) relative to summer birds. However, some birds show modest seasonal changes in cold tolerance without winter increases in Msum and others exhibit large seasonal changes in cold tolerance with only minor changes in Msum. Thus, the degree of correlation between cold tolerance and Msum is uncertain and no interspecific study has directly addressed this question. In this study, we measured cold tolerance and Msum in summer- (21 species) and winter- (11 species) acclimatized birds from southeastern South Dakota. Msum was measured as the maximum oxygen consumption attained during exposure of individual birds to a declining series of temperatures in 79% helium/21% oxygen (helox). Cold tolerance was measured as the temperature at cold limit (TCL), which is the helox temperature that induced hypothermia in individual birds. Residuals from allometric regressions of logMsum and logTCL were significantly and negatively related for summer (R2=0.34, P=0.006) and winter (R2=0.40, P=0.037) birds. Data were also subjected to a comparative analyses with phylogenetically independent contrasts to remove potential confounding effects of phylogeny, and results were similar to the non-phylogenetic analyses, with significant negative correlations in both summer (R2=0.47, P<0.001) and winter (R2=0.40, P=0.049). Thus, birds with high Msum tended to show reduced TCL (i.e. high cold tolerance), suggesting that cold tolerance and summit metabolism are phenotypically linked in small birds.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2005

Preference for safflower oil in rats exposed to a cold environment under free-feeding conditions.

There are several benefits to a high-fat diet for animals exposed to cold, including improved tolerance to severe cold conditions and increased survival rates in cold environments. It is therefore of interest to examine whether animals exposed to cold will selectively consume lipids. We examined the intake of safflower oil (SO) by rats exposed to cold (4 +/- 2 degrees C) under a feeding condition in which the rats were given free access to SO. Rats exposed to cold consumed more SO than those housed at 25 +/- 2 degrees C. This finding suggests that rats prefer SO in a cold environment. There was no significant difference in the ratio of calories of SO ingested to that of matter (standard laboratory chow plus SO) ingested between rats exposed to cold and those at 25 +/- 2 degrees C. The high SO intake also affected cold tolerance and metabolite kinetics in the rats. Factors that affected the SO intake of rats exposed to cold are also discussed.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1979

Studies on the origin of altered thyroid hormone levels in the blood of rats during cold exposure. II. Effect of propranolol and chemical sympathectomy.

The effect of sympathetic activity on T4 and T3 levels in cold-exposed rats was investigated. Administration of the highest dose of propranolol (2 mg/100 g b.w.) twice daily during 4 days decreased T4 and T3 concentrations in plasma of rats living at 23 degrees C (T4 from 46.4 +/- 2.6 to 25.8 +/- 5.3 nmol/l and T3 from 1.08 +/- 0.6 to 0.82 +/- 0.12 nmol/l). No significant effect on T4 and T3 levels (49.0 +/- 11.6 and 1.48 +/- 0.16 n/mol, respectively) after the administration of the same dose regimen of propranolol was observed in rats exposed to cold for 4 weeks. T4 and T3 levels in rats exposed to cold for 4 weeks were not significantly altered 1 week after sympathectomy, while remaining in the cold. However, chemical sympathectomy before cold exposure delayed the cold induced T3 elevation occurring during the first week of cold exposure (controls: from 1.16 +/- 0.19 to 1.44 +/- 0.29 nmol/l; sympathectomized rats: from 1.07 +/- 0.12 to 1.17 +/- 0.22 nmol/l). After 2 weeks of cold exposure the T3 levels of controls and sympathectomized rats were not significantly different (controls: 1.45 +/- 0.12 nmol/l, sympathectomized rats: 1.38 +/- 0.15 nmol/l). No effect of sympathectomy was observed on T4 levels. These experiments show that the role of sympathetic activity in increasing T3 is not clear during cold exposure. They provide some evidence that sympathetic activity may play a role in the initiation of the process leading to increased T3 plasma levels during cold exposure.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed1999

Blood pressure and hormonal responses to short whole body cold exposure in subjects with high dietary salt intake.

The objective of the present study was to test a hypothesis that a high dietary salt intake potentiates a cold induced increase in blood pressure in normotensive men. Male subjects (n = 12) were given 7 g day-1 sodium chloride during the cold months of the year, divided in 3-4 doses per day and dissolved in water, for 14 days additional to their normal diet which contained on the average 9.7 g sodium chloride per day. The same subjects, having their normal diet, served as controls. The resting blood pressure was measured on the fourteenth day seven times at the intervals of five minutes in a climatic chamber in thermoneutral conditions. Then the subjects, wearing a three-layer winter clothing, moved into a wind tunnel (-15 degrees C, air velocity 3.5 ms-1) in which they stayed for fifteen minutes and the blood pressure was recorded at the intervals of three minutes. After the cold exposure, the subjects moved back into the climatic chamber for 30 min and the blood pressure was measured as before the cold exposure. Blood samples were drawn before and after the experiment for ion and hormone measurements. A 12 h urine sample was collected just prior to the cold exposure. A significant difference both in systolic (7 mmHg) and in diastolic (7 mmHg) blood pressure was found between a salt load group and control group under thermoneutral conditions, repeatedly measured over 30 min (paired Student's t-test; p < 0.05). During the whole body cold exposure, blood pressure significantly increased both with and without the extra salt load (repeated measures ANOVA, Student-Newman-Keuls; p < 0.05). The level to which the mean arterial pressure increased during the exposure was independent of the salt intake and the profile of the mean arterial pressure curve was similar in both groups. The systolic pressure increased by a 25 mmHg in both groups during the cold exposure. The increase in the diastolic pressure was significantly (paired Student's t-test, p < 0.05) higher in the high salt group (18 +/- 4 mmHg) than in the control group (12 +/- 3 mmHg) thus supporting partly our hypothesis. After the two-week high salt intake, serum Na+, K+, Cl-, Hct, and plasma Hb were at the similar level as before the extra salt intake. Plasma renin activity, NT-proANP, ANP, and serum aldosterone were not different between the groups, both before and after the cold exposure. The main findings are: 1) the mean arterial pressure increases to the same level and in the same manner independent of the salt load during a short whole body cold exposure and 2) in cold the diastolic blood pressure increases significantly more in people under a very high salt diet.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

A model for managing cold-related health and safety risks at workplaces.

Cold conditions increase health and safety risks at work in several ways. The effects of cold have not been sufficiently taken into consideration in occupational safety and health practices. A systematic model and methods were developed for managing cold-related health and safety risks at workplaces. The development work was performed, in a context-bound manner, in pilot industries and workplaces. The model can be integrated into the company's occupational health and safety management system, such as OHSAS 18001. The cold risks are identified and assessed by using a checklist. The preventive measures are systematically planned in a written form specifically produced for cold workplaces. It includes the organisational and technical preventive measures, protective clothing and personal protective equipment, as well as training and information of the personnel. According to the model, all the workers, foremen, occupational safety personnel and occupational health care personnel are trained to recognise the cold risks and to conduct preventive actions. The developed model was evaluated in the context of cold outdoor (construction) and indoor work (fish processing), and by occupational health and safety professionals. According to the feedback, the model and methods were easy to use after a one-day introduction session. The continuum between the cold risk assessment and management worked well, although there was some overlap in the documentation. The cold risk management model and its methods form an essential part of ISO CD 15743 Strategy for risk assessment, management and work practice in cold environments.

Cold Climate↗

PubMed2003

Health-check questionnaire for subjects exposed to cold.

BACKGROUND: Human exposure to cold outdoor and indoor temperatures below 10 degrees C may be associated with various cold-related sensations and symptoms. It is not possible to predict a person's survival ability only by assessing thermal environments; but individual screening is always required for good health care practice with regards to treatment and/or prevention. METHODS: As part of a development project, a health-check questionnaire was developed for the workers exposed to cold. The completion of the development was carried out in the framework of a Nordic collaboration. RESULTS: This was three-level medical screening protocol for detecting individual cold-related health ailments. "The health-check questionnaire for subjects exposed to cold" comprises the first step of the screening protocol. The medical screening was harmonized with the assessment practices for cold-related health risks in the workplaces. CONCLUSION: A "health-check questionnaire for subjects exposed to cold" was developed as the first step of the three-level medical screening for the detection of cold-related health ailments of individuals. The analogical assessment practices for the cold-related health risks in the workplaces were developed in the same project. They both aim towards the establishment of an ISO standard for working in cold environments.

Cold Temperature↗

PubMed2000

Patient beliefs about the characteristics, causes, and care of the common cold: an update.

BACKGROUND: Many people seek medical care for cold symptoms. The cold-related knowledge and beliefs of adults seeking medical care for themselves or their children may not correspond with current medical opinion. METHODS: A total of 249 parents of symptomatic children and 257 symptomatic adults who sought medical advice in the spring of 1997 from 1 of 3 primary care clinics in the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, area were surveyed by telephone 48 to 96 hours after contact with the medical system. RESULTS: Of the adults seeking care for a child or themselves, 44% believed viruses alone cause the common cold: an additional 42% believed both viruses and bacteria play a role. Most thought rest (97%) and nonprescription medications (63%) were helpful for colds, which was consistent with published reports. Contrary to medical reports, however, most felt vitamin C (67%) and the inhalation of steam (70%) reduced cold symptoms, and 44% believed antibiotics help colds (chi2=19.57; P=.0002). But 85% believed colds could resolve on their own. CONCLUSIONS: Those adults seeking medical care for uncomplicated colds are misinformed about the primary cause of the common cold, the use of prescription medications for treating cold symptoms, and the effectiveness of some palliative care techniques. Care providers should address these perceptions rather than enabling overuse of antibiotics.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Responses to cold shock in cyanobacteria.

Acclimation of cyanobacteria to low temperatures involves induction of the expression of several families of genes. Fatty acid desaturases are responsible for maintaining the appropriate fluidity of membranes under stress conditions. RNA-binding proteins, which presumably act analogously to members of the bacterial Csp family of RNA chaperones, are involved in the maintenance of the translation under cold stress. The RNA helicase, whose expression is induced specifically by cold, might be responsible for modifying inappropriate secondary structures of RNAs induced by cold. The cold-inducible family of CIp proteins appears to be involved in the proper folding and processing of proteins. Although genes for cold-inducible proteins in cyanobacteria are heterogeneous, some common features of their untranslated regulatory regions suggest the existence of a common factor(s) that might participate in regulation of the expression of these genes under cold-stress conditions. Studies of the patterns of expression of cold-inducible genes in cyanobacteria have revealed the presence of a cold-sensing mechanism that is associated with their membrane lipids. Available information about cold-shock responses in cyanobacteria and molecular mechanisms of cold acclimation are reviewed in this article.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2006

[Experimental study on tolerance time limits from warm ischemia to cold preservation of liver grafts].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the tolerance time limits from warm ischemia to cold preservation of liver grafts. METHODS: Orthotopic liver transplantations (OLTs) were performed on Bama miniature swine. Morphological and functional changes of the liver grafts and biliary tracts after 10 minutes of warm ischemia followed by different durations of cold preservation and its reversibility were investigated. RESULTS: When the grafts were subjected to 10 minutes of warm ischemia followed by less than 16 hours of cold preservation, all animals could survive 1 week and there was no animal death from biliary necrosis. However, when the cold preservation time exceeded 16 hours, the incidence of biliary necrosis was significantly increased (P<0.05), and recipient death from bile leaks occurred. With further prolongation of the cold preservation time, primary graft nonfunction and intraoperative or early postoperative deaths occurred and the living animals all developed biliary necrosis. When compared with the less than 16 hours cold preservation group, the morphological scores and apoptosis index of the epithelial cells of bile ducts in grafts after reperfusion were significantly elevated in the more than 16 hours cold preservation group (P<0.05) and the activity of Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase of bile ducts in grafts were also significantly reduced (P<0.05). Liver function tests showed that the recoveries of AST, AST, GGT and ALP were quicker in the 16 hours cold preservation group then those over 16 hour preservation ones. Correlation analysis revealed that the incidence of biliary necrosis was significantly correlated with the morphological score (r = 0.972) and with the apoptosis index of the epithelial cells of bile ducts in grafts after reperfusion (r = 0.931) and also correlated negatively (P<0.01) with the activity of Na+-K+-ATPase (r = -0.973) and Ca2+-ATPase (r = -0.973). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that with 10 minutes of warm ischemia, cold preservation of the grafts should not be longer than 16 hours in order to avoid early biliary necrosis, and the corresponding tolerance time limit of the livers to the cold preservation was less than 20 hours.

Animals↗

PubMed1986

[Thyroid reactions in Wistar rats during the circadian rhythm after ganglionectomy at normal temperature and under cold exposure with regard to the influence of the epiphysis cerebri].

Serum thyroxin (T4), serum TSH, and pituitary TSH were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and serum cholesterol by Liebermann-Burchard reaction in rats 4 times a day (light-dark cycle: 14 L: 10 D) after gangliectomy (bilateral extirpation of the Ganglia cervicalia superiora) at cold and normal temperature conditions. 80 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: sham-operated group, 24 degrees C (297 K); sham-operated group, 10 degrees C (283 K); gangliectomy, 24 degrees C (297 K), and gangliectomy, 10 degrees C (283 K). We have sacrificed the rats 30 d after operations at the following day-times: middle light, middle darkness, 1 h after light "on" and 1 h after light "off" (they were exposed to cold 72 h before killing). It was found that gangliectomy significantly depressed blood level of thyroxin. On the other hand, it enhanced the serum cholesterol and TSH levels as well as the pituitary TSH content. Exposure to cold increased thyroxin, serum TSH and pituitary TSH. The cholesterol level, however, was significantly decreased. Gangliectomy causes a reduction of the cold-induced stimulation of thyroxin (significant), serum TSH, and pituitary TSH content (significant). The cholesterol (in relation to the cold-exposure alone) was significantly increased under these conditions. We have found similar results in another long-time experiment (90 d exposure) after gangliectomy as well as after pinealectomy. There also appears a lowered thyroxin and an increased cholesterol level (in dependency on the seasons). Gangliectomy induced a decrease of the pineal weight and a compensatory thyroid growth. Exposure to cold induced an increase of pituitary and pineal weights. Gangliectomy provokes a reduction of the cold-induced augmentation of the pineal weight. The results indicate that gangliectomy diminishes the total levels of circulating T4 in the presence of an intact pineal gland and reduces the cold-induced increase of T4 in long-time experiments (30 and 90 d post operationem). Both gangliectomy and cold condition led to an enhancement of serum TSH and pituitary TSH content. The exposure to cold was found to have a more severe influence. In the present study, we also have discussed the sympathetic denervation effect of the gangliectomy in relation to the thyroid and pineal gland. Due to certain contradictory data in the literature, we have also discussed the TRH-5-hydroxytryptamine (respectively melatonin) antagonism, though we were not able to determine whether peripheral and/or central mechanisms play the more important role in their regulation.

Animals↗

PubMed1986

[Effect of ganglionectomy (superior cervical ganglia) at normal temperature and exposure to cold on the circadian rhythm of liver glycogen and blood glucose levels of the Wistar rat with regard to the pineal gland].

Liver glycogen content and blood glucose level of 80 male Wistar rats were measured 4 times a day, 30 d after following surgeries: sham-operation without exposure to cold, sham-operation with exposure to cold (283 K, 72 h before killing), extirpation of the ganglia cervicalia superiora (GX) without exposure to cold, extirpation of the ganglia cervicalia superiora with exposure to cold (283 K, 72 h before killing). Exposure to cold alone as well as GX with and without exposure to cold modify the unimodal daily patterns (curves were calculated by means of empirical regression) of liver glycogen content and blood glucose level: there are changes from contrary localization of the maxima (and minima) of both, liver glycogen content and blood glucose level (exposure to cold alone) to nearly equal localization (GX alone). Compared to control group, all surgeries reduce the liver glycogen content statistical-significantly and also enhance the blood glucose level. Combination of GX with exposure to cold shows the strongest effect. In this case, the influence of GX is visible, but the effect is not significantly different from this of exposure to cold alone, which causes a high activation of the metabolism. To the contrary, a statistically significant influence is to be seen after GX alone, but the effect is lower than this one of exposure to cold. Extirpation of the ganglia cervicalia superiora and the resulting sympathetic denervation of the pineal gland is answered by comparable reactions of the investigated parameters as the extirpation of the pineal gland itself (90 d post operationem). Diminuation of liver glycogen content and enhancement of blood glucose level characterize the influence of gangliectomy (30 d post operationem) in this way, that the ratio of effect of factors causing hypo- and hyperglycemia is changed in favour of the latter.

Animals↗

PubMed1982

Influence of repeated cold exposures on adrenocorticoid formation in rabbits with lesioned limbic-hypothalamic system.

Experiments were carried out in the rabbit, with view to elucidating the role of limbic-hypothalamic system in the adrenocortical responses to repeated cold exposures. In each sham-lesioned group, in the rabbit with lesioned in bilateral stria terminalis and dorsal fornix, the formation of adrenocorticoids in adrenal was markedly increased by 1st cold exposure (cold exposure on 1st day), with the adrenocortical responses to 1st cold exposure being nearly the same in these groups. The bilateral lesions in periventricular arcuate nucleus and ventromedial hypothalamus decreased the adrenocortical responses to 1st cold exposure. In each sham-lesioned group, and in the rabbits with lesioned in bilateral periventricular arcuate nucleus, ventromedial hypothalamus and dorsal fornix, there were no effects of 7th cold exposure (cold exposure on 7th day) on the formation of adrenocorticoids. However, in the rabbits with lesioned in bilateral stria terminalis, the formation of adrenocorticoids was markedly increased by the 7th cold exposure. From these results it might be suggested that periventricular arcuate nucleus and ventromedial hypothalamus participated to adrenocortical response to 1st cold exposure, and the amygdala-stria terminalis system played some role in the establishment of adaptation to repeated cold exposures in adrenocortical responses.

Adrenal Cortex↗

PubMed1995

Familial cold urticaria: a father and daughter with typical clinical and laboratory features.

BACKGROUND: Familial cold urticaria is a rare, autosomally dominant disease of interest to physicians treating urticarial-type diseases. OBJECTIVE: To describe two patients, a father and daughter with the characteristics of this disease and review the features that differentiate it from other cold-induced syndromes. METHODS: Both patients underwent a cold room challenge, a lesional skin biopsy, and an ice-cube test, P-K test and extensive laboratory studies pre- and post-cold-room challenge. RESULTS: A careful history revealed winter outbreaks of erythematous, nonpruritic lesions occurring hours after cold air exposure since early childhood. Systemic symptoms included burning, chills, and arthralgias rather than the anaphylactic symptoms associated with acquired urticarias. Cold room challenge induced "non-urticarial" lesions after a delay of one-half to two hours. Lesional biopsy demonstrated polymorphonuclear infiltration with increased eosinophils. Ice-cube tests and P-K tests were negative, and laboratory studies were remarkable only for a rise in leukocytes and erythrocytic sedimentation rate after positive challenge. Abnormal serum proteins were not found. CONCLUSION: Familial cold urticaria is an inherited disease with distinct characteristics that distinguish it from acquired cold urticarias and other cold-induced syndromes. Most importantly, lesions occur with a delay after exposure to cold air and are not urticarial. Anaphylactic symptoms do not occur and abnormal serum proteins are not found.

Adult↗

PubMed1976

[The role of ketone bodies in nonshivering thermogenesis in cold-adapted rats (author's transl)].

In spite of the ill fame of useless products of metabolism that only accumulate in the blood under abnormal conditions, ketone bodies (KB) have now regained the fame as an important fuel of respiration for the brain and muscles in prolonged starvation in humans and other animals. In cold-adapted animals, ketosis has been well documented, but little is known about the physiological role of KB in cold adaptation. In this study, role of KB in nonshivering thermogenesis was investigated in warm- and cold-adapted rats with or without norepinephrine (NE) loads, a decisive lipid metabolizing hormone in cold adaptation. First, levels of blood KB and plasma free fatty acid (FFA) and FFA turnover rate were examined along with rectal temperature under continuous infusions of various doses of NE. Good dose-response relationship of rectal temperature was obtained with increasing doses of NE in cold-adapted rats, but not in warm-adapted ones. The levels of blood KB and plasma FFA in cold-adapted rats remained almost unaltered during the observation period of 30 minutes. Infusion of NE, however, greatly enhanced FFA turnover rate in cold-adapted rats as compared with controls. Next, fractional turnover rate and half-life of beta-OH-butyrate were obtained from decay curves of endogenous beta-OH-butyrate, using functionally eviscerated rats in which no KB were produced. Calculated turnover rate of KB was also found significantly increased in cold-adapted rats. Finally, the effect of NE on the production of KB was examined using the liver in situ perfusion technique of Mortimore with minor modifications. Viability of the liver preparation was guaranteed by sufficiently high rates of bile production as well as oxygen consumption. The production rate of KB in the preparation under palmitate loads of physiological medium concentration was significantly higher in cold-adapted rats than in warm-adapted controls. However, no significant effect of NE loaded simultaneously was observed in either group. Quantitative analysis shows that the turnover rate of KB in vivo essentially equals the production rate in the perfused liver when no exogenous NE is added. In contrast NE infusion the turnover rate in vivo was almost doubled that of the perfused liver. All these results indicate KB are used as an important energy source with the significancy of FFA in nonshivering thermogenesis. Moreover, it may be surmised that production of KB in vivo, particulary in the cold-adapted state, is effected by other unknown factors than NE.

Acclimatization↗

PubMed2026

Distinct molecular responses to acute cold exposure revealed by comparative transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling in the bay scallop Argopecten irradians.

Acute cold stress can elicit distinct molecular responses even when bay scallop populations show similar phenotypic outcomes. We compared a seventh-generation fast-growing bay scallop line (BS) with a commercial control population (CC) during a 72-h acute cold exposure at -1 ± 0.3 °C. RNA-seq was used as the discovery layer, representative BS cold-responsive genes were evaluated by qRT-PCR, and paired LC-MS profiles provided a comparative metabolic layer. At baseline, 138 genes differed between BS and CC; after cold exposure, 134 of these baseline differences disappeared and 61 of 65 cold-state differences newly emerged. BS showed a larger transcriptomic response magnitude than CC, with 1129 cold-responsive genes compared with 28 genes in CC, and this ordering remained robust across multiple sensitivity analyses. Survival after 72 h was identical in BS and CC (83/90, 92.2% in each population). Biochemical responses were time-dependent and marker-specific: CAT, LZM, T-SOD and T-AOC showed population-by-time interactions, whereas GSH-Px and MDA did not, and the 72-h differences were not consistently favourable to BS. Metabolomic cold effects were strongly concordant between populations, and no feature showed a significant population-by-cold interaction. Features putatively assigned to arachidonic acid metabolism were enriched, but this provider-annotated pathway signal remains exploratory because authentic-standard confirmation was not performed. These findings indicate population-specific differences in molecular responsiveness but do not establish superior cold tolerance in BS.

Animals↗