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Postexercise ketosis in night-migrating passerine birds.
1Swiss Ornithological Institute, CH-6204 Sempach, Switzerland. susi.jenni@vogelwarte.ch
Physiological and Biochemical Zoology : PBZ
|February 28, 2001
Summary
Migrating birds exhibit unique post-exercise metabolism, featuring prolonged ketosis and reduced reliance on glucose. This adaptation aids their endurance, differing significantly from human and rat responses.
Area of Science:
- Avian physiology
- Exercise metabolism
- Comparative biochemistry
Background:
- Migratory birds undergo intense endurance exercise during nocturnal flights.
- Understanding their metabolic recovery is crucial for avian physiology research.
- Previous studies on postexercise metabolism primarily focused on mammals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the postexercise metabolic changes in six species of night-migrating passerine birds.
- To characterize the biphasic metabolic response following strenuous flight.
- To compare avian postexercise metabolism with that of humans and rats.
Main Methods:
- Six species of free-living, night-migrating passerine birds were studied.
- Blood samples were collected during a 10-hour recovery period after nocturnal flight.
- Concentrations of six plasma metabolites related to fat, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism were measured.
Main Results:
- A biphasic metabolic pattern was observed: an initial rapid response followed by prolonged postexercise ketosis.
- Key metabolites indicated reduced lipolysis and proteolysis, with elevated beta-hydroxy-butyrate levels.
- Metabolic profiles differed significantly from those typically seen in humans and rats.
Conclusions:
- Migrating birds possess a unique metabolic adaptation for endurance exercise, characterized by sustained ketosis.
- This metabolic strategy likely enhances lipid utilization and conserves glucose and amino acids during and after flight.
- Species-specific differences in fat stores and metabolism support this adaptive advantage.