Summary
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1.
The daily torpor was measured by oxygen uptake in Djungarian hamsters during adaptation to a short photoperiod (SP: 10L, 14D) at 20 °C. In these constant conditions the torpor presented metabolic characteristics and a daily time course independent of the duration of adaptations to SP.
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2.
The frequency of torpor bouts increased during SP exposure and its maximum was reached after about 130 days. The frequency of torpor was greater in males than in females.
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3.
The incidence of torpor was increased by constant dark exposure and this is discussed as a protective mechanism for the individual animal's ability to survive.
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4.
The temporal organization of daily torpor was demonstrated to be directly synchronized by the day-night cycle and to be controlled by an endogenous circadian function.
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Abbreviations
- LP:
-
Long photoperiod
- SP:
-
Short photoperiod
- DD:
-
Constant darkness
- Mo2 :
-
Oxygen uptake
- MR:
-
Metabolic rate
- Mmin:
-
Minimal metabolism
- D:
-
torpor duration
- MEt :
-
metabolic energy saving during the torpor period
- MEd :
-
metabolic energy saving during 24 h
- Ti50 :
-
time of 50% of metabolic decrease
- Tf50 :
-
time of 50% of metabolic increase
- Ti :
-
time of torpor bout beginning
- Tm :
-
mean time of torpor bout
- Tf :
-
time of torpor bout end
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Kirsch, R., Ouarour, A. & Pévet, P. Daily torpor in the Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus): photoperiodic regulation, characteristics and circadian organization. J Comp Physiol A 168, 121–128 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00217110
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00217110