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Thermogenic mechanisms in cold-acclimated animals
1Departamento de Fisiologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brasil.
Summary
Cold acclimation enhances non-shivering thermogenesis, primarily through brown adipose tissue. This adaptation increases heat production, crucial for survival in cold environments.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Metabolism
- Thermogenesis
Background:
- Cold exposure increases animal oxygen consumption via shivering and non-shivering thermogenesis.
- With prolonged cold exposure, shivering diminishes as non-shivering thermogenesis becomes dominant.
- Cold-acclimated animals primarily rely on non-shivering thermogenesis for heat production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of thermogenesis following cold acclimation.
- To highlight the role of brown adipose tissue in non-shivering thermogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on thermogenesis and cold acclimation.
- Discussion of physiological and biochemical methods for assessing brown adipose tissue activity.
Main Results:
- Brown adipose tissue is a key thermogenic organ, generating heat through mitochondrial uncoupling.
- Cold acclimation leads to increased activity and mass of brown adipose tissue.
- Brown adipose tissue is identified as the principal contributor to non-shivering thermogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Non-shivering thermogenesis, mediated by brown adipose tissue, is the primary heat production mechanism in cold-acclimated animals.
- Brown adipose tissue plays a critical role in metabolic adaptation to cold environments.