Circadian rhythms remain temperature compensated during a Q neuron-induced hibernation-like state in mice - PubMed
4 hours ago
- #Hibernation-like State
- #Temperature Compensation
- #Circadian Rhythms
- Circadian rhythms, the body's internal clock, maintain stable periods despite temperature changes, a property known as temperature compensation.
- A hibernation-like state in mice, called QIH, lowers core and brain temperatures to around 25°C for extended periods, while preserving free-running behavioral and body temperature rhythms with only minor phase changes.
- Neuronal firing rhythms in the brain's suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and molecular PER2::Luc bioluminescence rhythms in peripheral tissues persist during QIH with reduced amplitudes but largely unchanged circadian periods.
- In contrast, cultured SCN and kidney slices at the same temperature show weakened or reset PER2::Luc oscillations, highlighting differences between in vivo and in vitro responses.
- The study suggests that robust temperature compensation of circadian periods in vivo likely involves systemic regulatory mechanisms beyond cell-autonomous clockwork.
- These findings provide insight into circadian robustness and have implications for understanding hibernation and medical hypothermia.