Brainstem catecholaminergic neurons induce torpor during fasting by orchestrating cardiovascular and thermoregulation changes

Mingxiu Cheng, Meiqi Wang, Liang Wang, Fangfang Yin, Jiayi Shen, Xin Xing, Yuyan Shi, Zhiwei Liu, Ping Wu, Wenling Gao, Yanyan Fan, Peng Cao and Cheng Zhan ()
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Mingxiu Cheng: University of Science and Technology of China
Meiqi Wang: University of Science and Technology of China
Liang Wang: University of Science and Technology of China
Fangfang Yin: Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center
Jiayi Shen: University of Science and Technology of China
Xin Xing: Shenyang Normal University
Yuyan Shi: University of Science and Technology of China
Zhiwei Liu: University of Science and Technology of China
Ping Wu: Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center
Wenling Gao: Peking University
Yanyan Fan: National Institute of Biological Sciences
Peng Cao: National Institute of Biological Sciences
Cheng Zhan: University of Science and Technology of China

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Abstract Torpor, an adaptive hypometabolic state in response to fasting, is characterized by pronounced reductions in body temperature, heart rate, and thermogenesis. However, how the brain orchestrates these physiological changes to induce torpor and the relationships among them remain elusive. Inhibiting catecholaminergic (CA) neurons in the ventrolateral medulla (VLM) significantly impairs torpor in mice, while their activation reduces body temperature, heart rate, energy expenditure, physical activity, and thermogenesis. Importantly, the heart rate decline precedes body temperature reduction, resembling patterns observed in natural torpid animals. Moreover, a likely causal relationship exists between heart rate reduction and body temperature decline. VLM-CA neurons may regulate heart rate and thermogenesis through projections to the dorsal motor vagal nucleus and medial preoptic area, respectively. Additionally, these neurons are conserved in Daurian ground squirrels and become active before hibernation, indicating their potential role in hibernation. Here, we find that VLM-CA neurons play important roles in fasting-induced torpor.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61179-1

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