Cardiorespiratory and metabolic reactions during entrance into torpor in dormice, Glis glis. (1/7)

Dormice voluntarily enter torpor at ambient temperatures ranging between 0-28 degrees C. This study describes heart rate, ventilation frequency, O2-consumption (defined as metabolic rate), CO2-production and body temperature during entrance into torpor. Their temporal relationship was analysed during the time course of metabolic depression at different ambient temperatures. Body temperature and heart rate were measured in unrestrained dormice with implanted transmitter. Ventilation frequency was monitored by total body plethysmography or infrared video monitoring. To compare entries into torpor at different T(a) these periods were distinguished into four different phases: the resting phase prior to torpor, the phase of pre-torpor adjustments, the reduction phase and the phase of steady state torpor. In the pre-torpor phase, dormice increased their ventilation, metabolic rate and heart rate, indicating that the torpid state is initiated by an enhanced metabolic activity for about an hour. This was followed by a rapid reduction of ventilation, metabolism and heart rate, which reached their minimum values long before body temperature completed its decline. The results of the present study show that the entrance into torpor is caused by an active respiratory, cardiac and metabolic depression.  (+info)

Experimental infection of an African dormouse (Graphiurus kelleni) with monkeypox virus. (2/7)

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The cell nuclei of skeletal muscle cells are transcriptionally active in hibernating edible dormice. (3/7)

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Subcellular distribution of key enzymes of lipid metabolism during the euthermia-hibernation-arousal cycle. (4/7)

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Energy or information? The role of seed availability for reproductive decisions in edible dormice. (5/7)

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Management and care of African dormice (Graphiurus kelleni). (6/7)

African dormice (Graphiurus spp.) are small nocturnal rodents that currently are uncommon in laboratory settings. Their use may increase as they have recently been shown to develop an infection with monkeypox virus and may prove to be a valuable animal model for infectious disease research. Because African dormice are not commercially available, an extensive breeding colony is required to produce the animals needed for research use. Husbandry modifications that increased the production of offspring were the use of a high-protein diet, increased cage enrichment, and decreased animal density. To optimize consumption of a high-protein diet, we tested the palatability of several high-protein foods in a series of preference trials. Dormice preferred wax worm larva, cottage cheese, roasted soy nuts, and canned chicken. Issues related to medical management of Graphiurus kelleni include potential complications from traumatic injury. The development of a program for the husbandry and care of African dormice at our institution typifies the experiences of many laboratory animal facilities that are asked to support the development of animal models using novel species.  (+info)

Seasonal variation in telomere length of a hibernating rodent. (7/7)

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