FOOD-INTAKE AND PERIPHERAL ADRENERGIC ACTIVITY IN A HIBERNATING RODENT, THE GARDEN DORMOUSE

The relationship behind food intake and activity of the peripheral symapthetic nervous system was investigated in the hibernating garden dormouse. Sympathetic activity was evaluated by measurement of catecholamine levels and dopamine-β-hydroxylase activity in plasma and adrenal medulla. Food intake, body weight and basal energy expenditure were recorded over an 18 month period. We found that: 1. 1. Body weight was at a maximum, whereas food intake and energy expenditure were at a minimum during the week preceding the induction of hibernation. 2. 2. Feeding resumed during the last third of the hibernation period reaching a maximum at the Spring arousal. 3. 3. During the bouts of homeothermia, hypothermia and awakening, we observed a fall in energy intake 24 hr before the beginning of this cycle. On the other hand, food intake increased during the first 24 hr after awakening. During these three physiological situations, peripheral sympathetic activity was low in the hypophagic animals and high in the hyperphagic animals. © 1990.