Physiological indices and liver gene expression related to glucose supply in Brandt's vole (Lasiopodomys brandtii) exhibit species- and oxygen concentration-specific responses to hypoxia

Abstract

Brandt's vole (Lasiopodomys brandtii) is a species with hypoxia tolerance, and glucose serves as the primary energy substrate under hypoxia. However, the glucose supply in Brandt's voles under hypoxia has not been studied. This study aimed to investigate characteristics in physiological indices and liver gene expression associated with glucose supply in Brandt's voles under hypoxia. Serum glucose of Brandt's voles remained stable under 10% O₂, increased under 7.5% O₂, and decreased under 5% O₂. Serum lactate increased under 10% O₂, decreased under 7.5% O₂, increased at 6 h and decreased at 12 h under 5% O₂. Liver glycogen increased under 10% O₂, remained constant under 7.5% O₂, and reduced under 5% O₂. Pepck and G6pase expression associated with gluconeogenesis decreased under 10% O₂, while Pepck expression decreased and G6pase expression increased under 7.5% and 5% O₂. Regarding genes related to glycogen metabolism, Gys expression decreased at all oxygen concentrations, Phk expression increased under 5% O₂, and Gp expression increased under 7.5% and 5% O₂. The alterations in glucose, lactate, liver glycogen, and gene expression related to glycogenolysis in Kunming mice (Mus musculus, control species) are similar to discovery of Brandt's voles under 7.5% O₂, but gene expression involved in gluconeogenesis and glycogen synthesis increased. The findings suggest that Brandt's voles are more tolerant to hypoxia than Kunming mice, and their physiological indices and liver gene expression related to glucose supply exhibit species- and oxygen concentration-specific responses to hypoxia. This research offers novel insights for studying hypoxia tolerance of Brandt's voles.