Hibernators may hold the key for better human organ pr...( s the passion and work of Hannah V. Car...)

s the passion and work of Hannah V. Carey, Professor, Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. Dr. Carey will discuss her latest findings during the upcoming scientific meeting, "The Power of Comparative Physiology: Evolution, Integration and Application," a program of the American Physiological Society (APS), being held August 24-28, 2002 at the Town & Country Hotel, San Diego, CA. To learn more about the conference and presentations, go to: http://www.the-aps.org/meetings/aps/san_diego/home.htm

Thus far, she and her colleagues have hibernating ground squirrels do experience physiological changes that are stressful for the body. They have also uncovered some of the defense mechanisms the squirrels have to cope with the stress that occurs during hibernation. Her current research is designed to apply these principles to organ preservation.

Background

A hibernating animal's intestines display evidence of oxidative stress during the hibernation season. Oxidative stress occurs when reactions lead to an increase in the production of molecules called free radicals, which have the potential to damage other cellular molecules, such as proteins, lipids and DNA. Oxidative stress is common if blood flow to a certain tissue is interrupted and then later resumes. This change in oxygen delivery can lead to a burst of free radicals.

One of the most important antioxidants is glutathione, a molecule that helps by acting as an antioxidant through scavenging and detoxifying free radicals. Changes in the glutathione system occur in the intestine, indicating the system is under stress during the hibernation season.

At the same time, the intestine shrinks as a response to the lack of food during the hibernation season. Except for the shrinkage, there is no evidence that gut (small and large intestines) is damaged
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Contact: Donna Krupa
djkrupa1@aol.com
703-967-2751
American Physiological Society
26-Aug-2002

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