Biochemical mechanisms of temperature adaptation in the chick embryo

• Published in: Žurnal ėvolûtsionnoj biohimii i fiziologii Vol. 24; no. 3; p. 432
• Main Authors: Simonian, A A, Stepanian, R A, Mesropian, E B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Russian
• Published: Russia (Federation) 01-05-1988
• Subjects: Adenosine Triphosphatases - metabolism; Animals; Body Temperature Regulation; Chick Embryo - physiology; Cold Temperature; Mitochondria, Liver - enzymology; Mitochondria, Muscle - enzymology; Oxidative Phosphorylation; Oxygen Consumption; Time Factors
• ISSN: 0044-4529

The effect of a short-term cooling of the incubated eggs has been investigated on the intensity of oxidative phosphorylation and the activity of ATPase in mitochondria from muscles and liver of chick embryos and chicks. It was found that the decrease of temperature increases oxygen consumption in muscle mitochondria decreasing esterification of inorganic phosphate. As a consequence, the value of P/O decreases. The activity of ATPase significantly increases. Uncoupling between oxidation and phosphorylation in liver mitochondria takes place more slowly. It is suggested that these changes account for realization of thermoregulation.