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Cold-acclimation improves cold-tolerance of diabetic rats
J A Ferro1, M Macari, D L Eizirik
1Departamento de Tecnologia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP, Brazil.
Summary
Cold acclimation significantly enhances cold tolerance in diabetic rats. Acclimated diabetic rats showed improved survival and thermogenic responses compared to non-acclimated diabetic rats, suggesting enhanced sympathetic activity.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Environmental Medicine
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is associated with impaired thermoregulation.
- Cold exposure poses a significant challenge to individuals with diabetes.
- The impact of cold acclimation on cold tolerance in diabetic models requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of cold acclimation on the cold tolerance of diabetic rats.
- To compare the survival rates and thermogenic responses of cold-acclimated and non-cold-acclimated diabetic rats under cold conditions.
Main Methods:
- Alloxan-induced diabetic rats and control rats were used.
- Experiments involved exposing rats to a cold environment (7-9°C) for 12 days.
- Survival percentages and thermogenic responses to noradrenaline were assessed.
Main Results:
- Non-cold-acclimated diabetic rats had a 19% survival rate, while cold-acclimated diabetic rats showed a 79% survival rate.
- Cold-acclimated diabetic rats exhibited a near-normal thermogenic response to noradrenaline, unlike non-acclimated diabetic rats.
- Control groups (both cold-acclimated and non-acclimated) showed no mortality.
Conclusions:
- Cold acclimation substantially improves cold tolerance in diabetic rats.
- Enhanced cold tolerance in acclimated diabetic rats may be linked to increased sympathetic activity.
- Improved insulin sensitivity in thermogenic tissues like brown fat could contribute to enhanced cold tolerance.