Nonshivering thermogenesis in the African lesser bushbaby,Galago moholi

• DOI: 10.1242/jeb.089433
• Publication Date: 2013-09-25T22:38:28Z
• Authors: Julia Nowack; Kathrin H. Dausmann; Nomakwezi Mzilikazi
• Keywords: Torpor

SUMMARY The capacity for nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) plays an important role during arousal from torpid states. Recent data on heterotherms inhabiting warmer regions, however, suggest that passive rewarming reduces the need of metabolic heat production significantly, leading to question: what extent do subtropical or tropical depend NST? African lesser bushbaby, Galago moholi, enters states as emergency response only, but otherwise stays normothermic throughout cold and dry winter season. In addition, this species shows unusual difficulties torpor days. We therefore examined seasonal adjustments NST naturally acclimatized G. moholi by stimulation with noradrenaline (NA) injection. Dissection two adult female bushbabies revealed possesses brown adipose tissue, NA treatment (0.5 mg kg−1, s.c.) induced a significant elevation in oxygen consumption compared control (saline) However, increase following injection was not significantly different between summer. Our results show ability produce via seems be available year is able change within very short time frame spells. Together studies other (Afro-)tropical heterotherms, which also indicate low even absent difference capacity, raises question whether definition needs refined mammals.