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Hepatic gluconeogenesis and mitochondrial function during hibernation.

S C Gehnrich1, J R Aprille

  • 1Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155.

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. B, Comparative Biochemistry
|January 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary

Hibernation significantly reduces liver mitochondrial respiration and gluconeogenesis in ground squirrels. These changes are linked to impaired electron transport and pyruvate carboxylation, impacting energy metabolism during dormancy.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Animal Physiology
  • Mitochondrial Biology

Background:

  • Gluconeogenesis, the synthesis of glucose, is a critical metabolic process.
  • Hibernation involves profound physiological changes, including altered energy metabolism.
  • Mitochondria play a central role in cellular energy production and metabolic regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mitochondrial mechanisms underlying altered gluconeogenesis during hibernation.
  • To identify specific defects in mitochondrial function contributing to metabolic changes in hibernators.

Main Methods:

  • Measurement of liver mitochondrial respiration rates in hibernating and non-hibernating ground squirrels.
  • Analysis of adenine nucleotide content in mitochondria and cells.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Assay of pyruvate carboxylation in intact mitochondria and total enzyme activity.
  • Assessment of gluconeogenesis rates in isolated hepatocytes.

    • Main Results:

    • Mitochondrial respiration rates were significantly reduced (62-66%) in hibernators, with electron transport (complex III) being rate-limiting.
    • Mitochondrial ATP + ADP + AMP content decreased by 29% during hibernation, while total cellular adenine nucleotide content remained unchanged.
    • Pyruvate carboxylation in intact mitochondria decreased by 75%, despite unchanged total pyruvate carboxylase activity.
    • Gluconeogenesis rates were lower in hepatocytes from hibernators compared to non-hibernators.

    Conclusions:

    • Mitochondrial dysfunction, specifically impaired electron transport and pyruvate carboxylation, contributes to reduced gluconeogenesis during hibernation.
    • These findings highlight a mitochondrial basis for metabolic adaptations during hibernation.
    • Altered mitochondrial function is a key factor in the energy conservation strategies of hibernating animals.