Hibernation hypothermia and metabolism in hedgehogs--changes in free amino acids and related compounds

1. Hypothermia in midwinter revealed a marked increase in GABA and glutamine due to active decarboxylation and amidation of glutamic acid. This influenced the glutamate-aspartate pathway and resulted in a significant drop in levels of both acids. 2. Elevated levels of GABA and taurine during hibernation pointed to their role as inhibitory neurotransmitters. 3. Amidation of glutamate induced a noticeable drop in ammonia concurring with increased urea and low uric acid levels. 4. Hypothermia in summer revealed a significant role of temperature as a determining factor in the hibernation cycle. Arousal was a repeated, though reversed, phenomenon in this cycle.