A discrete neuronal circuit induces a hibernation-like state in rodents

Tohru M. Takahashi, Genshiro A. Sunagawa (), Shingo Soya, Manabu Abe, Katsuyasu Sakurai, Kiyomi Ishikawa, Masashi Yanagisawa, Hiroshi Hama, Emi Hasegawa, Atsushi Miyawaki, Kenji Sakimura, Masayo Takahashi and Takeshi Sakurai ()
Additional contact information
Tohru M. Takahashi: University of Tsukuba
Genshiro A. Sunagawa: RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research
Shingo Soya: University of Tsukuba
Manabu Abe: Niigata University
Katsuyasu Sakurai: University of Tsukuba
Kiyomi Ishikawa: RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research
Masashi Yanagisawa: University of Tsukuba
Hiroshi Hama: RIKEN Center for Brain Science
Emi Hasegawa: University of Tsukuba
Atsushi Miyawaki: RIKEN Center for Brain Science
Kenji Sakimura: Niigata University
Masayo Takahashi: RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research
Takeshi Sakurai: University of Tsukuba

Nature, 2020, vol. 583, issue 7814, 109-114

Abstract: Abstract Hibernating mammals actively lower their body temperature to reduce energy expenditure when facing food scarcity1. This ability to induce a hypometabolic state has evoked great interest owing to its potential medical benefits2,3. Here we show that a hypothalamic neuronal circuit in rodents induces a long-lasting hypothermic and hypometabolic state similar to hibernation. In this state, although body temperature and levels of oxygen consumption are kept very low, the ability to regulate metabolism still remains functional, as in hibernation4. There was no obvious damage to tissues and organs or abnormalities in behaviour after recovery from this state. Our findings could enable the development of a method to induce a hibernation-like state, which would have potential applications in non-hibernating mammalian species including humans.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2163-6

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