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Summer hibernation induced by cryogenically preserved blood "trigger"
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|April 24, 1970
Summary
Blood transfusions from hibernating animals can induce summer hibernation. This "trigger effect" is cryogenically preserved, cross-species reactive, and depends on the donor
Area of Science:
- Comparative physiology
- Hibernation biology
- Cryobiology
Background:
- Summer hibernation, also known as aestivation, is a survival strategy in some mammals.
- The physiological mechanisms triggering aestivation are not fully understood.
- Previous research suggests blood-borne factors may play a role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the
- To determine if the hibernation-inducing effect can be preserved cryogenically.
- To assess cross-species reactivity of the hibernation trigger.
- To evaluate the influence of donor hibernation history on the trigger's efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Transfusion of serum, cells, or whole blood from hibernating ground squirrels and woodchucks into non-hibernating animals.
- Cryopreservation of blood samples for up to 5 months.
- Observation and measurement of hibernation induction and duration.
Main Results:
- Transfusions successfully induced summer hibernation in recipient animals.
- The hibernation-inducing effect remained viable after 5 months of cryogenic preservation.
- The effect was observed across different species of hibernators (ground squirrels and woodchucks).
- Efficacy of the induced hibernation correlated with the donor animal's prior hibernation experience.
Conclusions:
- A transferable, cryogenically stable factor in blood induces summer hibernation.
- This hibernation-inducing factor exhibits cross-species activity.
- Donor hibernation history is a critical determinant of the factor's potency.