Some aspects of temperature regulation in newborn harp seal pups

• DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.1979.236.3.r188
• Publication Date: 2017-12-24T18:29:00Z
• Authors: A. S. Blix; H. J. Grav; K. Ronald
• Keywords: Blubber

Harp seals are born on the drifting ice of North Atlantic Ocean during arctic winter when temperatures -20 degrees C, occasionally in combination with wind 10 m/s, might prevail for days. At birth pups lack subcutaneous blubber and wet infantile fur has a conductance value 30.0 W . m-2 C-1, as compared only 2.0 C-1 dry. While still immediately after nevertheless able to retain body core temperature by shivering. This activity leads reduction muscle fat glycogen stores. Nonshivering thermogenesis commences thermogenic adipose tissue virtue loosely coupled mitochondria. Thermogenic is found at both layer along back internal deposits around venous plexuses neck, pericardium, kidneys, abdominal walls. After about 3 days suckling loses its function being gradually transformed into blubber, whereas persist least until venture water age 3-4 wk.