Daily variations in the influence of noradrenaline on preferred ambient temperature of the Siberian hamster

Abstract

Daily variations in sensitivity to noradrenaline (NA) and the activation of nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) are important for survival under a potentially wide range of environmental conditions. However, little is known regarding the ability of the Siberian hamster and other species to activate NST in the day and night when they may be subjected to marked variations in environmental temperature. In this study, the effects of acclimation temperature and time of day on the behavioral thermoregulatory response to NA injections in Siberian hamsters ( Phodopus sungorus) was investigated. Hamsters were acclimated for 4 weeks to 23 °C and a L:D 12:12 h photoperiod. After acclimation, preferred ambient temperatures ( PT a) in saline- and NA-injected animals were measured continuously in the temperature gradient system. NA (0.6 mg/kg; s.c.) was given every 4 h while PT a was monitored. After NA injections there was a rapid drop in PT a, decreasing to ∼15 °C within 10–20 min after each NA injection. Following 4 weeks of acclimation to 10 °C and a L:D 8:16 h photoperiod, the same hamsters were re-tested in the temperature gradient system. Cold acclimation led to an accentuation in the behavioral response with a decrease in PT a of ∼10 °C. The maximal decrease in preferred ambient temperatures was recorded during the light phase of the day and during the second part of the night. Lowering of PT a after NA allows for rapid dissipation of the heat from NST. Overall, the behavioral response reflects the daily changes in brown adipose tissue sensitivity to NA and thus capacity for NST.