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Bone density is maintained during forced disuse in hibernators throughout both the active and hibernation seasons (1166.1)
Author(s) -
Bogren Lori,
Johnston Erin,
Van Tets Ian,
LeBlanc Adrian,
Drew Kelly
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.1166.1
Subject(s) - torpor , hibernation (computing) , ground squirrel , bone remodeling , basal metabolic rate , bone density , natural cycle , bone mineral , spaceflight , biology , endocrinology , medicine , osteoporosis , thermoregulation , pregnancy , state (computer science) , genetics , algorithm , computer science , aerospace engineering , engineering
Long‐term space flight produces a decrease in bone density that poses a hazard for astronauts during and after missions in space. Bone loss is due in part to disuse since long‐term bed rest immobilization in many animals mimics the effects of space flight on bone mineral density. Decreases in metabolism associated with aging and hormones that signal energy status are also thought to contribute to a loss of skeletal mass. Hibernation is a unique metabolic state where some species of mammals remain inactive for periods of up to 8 months and metabolism decreases to 1 to 2 percent of basal metabolic rate. Hibernating ground squirrels maintain bone strength despite long periods of disuse and decreased metabolism. The present study sought to delineate changes in bone density that occur during natural disuse (torpor) and forced disuse (sciatic neurectomy) in the hind limbs of the arctic ground squirrel over the winter and summer seasons. We found that arctic ground squirrels retained bone density with both natural and forced disuse and that this persisted throughout both the summer/active and winter/hibernations season. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between skeletal load (use), metabolism and energy homeostasis and bone density that may lead to therapeutics or strategies to maintain bone density in space. Grant Funding Source : Supported by the Alaska Space Grant Program