Effects of temperature on cardiac transmembrane potentials in hibernation

Resting and action potential parameters were measured from papillary muscle isolated from hibernating and control hamsters and from rats. The temperature range of the study was 12-38 degrees C. The decrease in resting membrane potential (Em) with decreasing temperature was significantly less in the hibernation preparations (HH), down to 20 degrees C, than in either the control hamsters or rats. Below 20 degrees C the declines in Em of all preparations were indistinguishable. Action potential magnitude was adequately maintained in HH to 12 degrees C while both control hamster and rat action potentials declined markedly as temperatures were reduced. Both types of hamster preparations showed greatly prolonged action potentials with reduced temperatures as contrasted to a limited prolongation of rat action potentials. The data are suggestive of a membrane modication in hibernation.