ABSTRACT
Hibernation is a phenomenon characterized by annual periods of lethargy which correlate with alterations in the thermal environment and nutritional availability. Bouts of hibernation are characterized by marked reductions in locomotor activity, body temperature, and metabolism. Despite prolonged periods of lethargy, the contractile and metabolic capacity of skeletal muscle in hibernators must be maintained. Skeletal muscle is an unique tissue in that its size can be a reflection of the extent of its use. Increased activity of a resistance nature can elicit significant hypertrophy, whereas reduced muscle activity is frequently associated with atrophy. Muscle atrophy in laboratory models utilizing nonhibernators can be characterized by altered levels of specific mRNAs. Based on biochemical studies of hepatic tissue, P. A. Srere et al. proposed a central role for modification of gene expression in hibernation. There have been as yet no studies investigating possible alterations in gene expression of skeletal muscle from hibernators.
