The Art of Chilling Out: How Neurons Regulate Torpor.

Abstract

Endothermic animals expend significant energy to maintain high body temperatures, which offers adaptability to varying environmental conditions. However, this high metabolic rate requires increased food intake. In conditions of low environmental temperature and scarce food resources, some endothermic animals enter a hypometabolic state known as torpor to conserve energy. Torpor involves a marked reduction in body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and locomotor activity, enabling energy conservation. Despite their biological significance and potential medical applications, the neuronal mechanisms regulating torpor still need to be fully understood. Recent studies have focused on fasting-induced daily torpor in mice due to their suitability for advanced neuroscientific techniques. In this review, we highlight recent advances that extend our understanding of neuronal mechanisms regulating torpor. We also discuss unresolved issues in this research field and future directions.