Torpor and Hibernation: Metabolic and Physiological Paradigms

Book excerpt: Torpor or heterothermy corresponds to a state of depressed metabolism and is associated with specific metabolic, cellular and molecular adaptations that often occur on a seasonal basis. Yet the exact mechanisms and functioning of these changes are poorly understood. Interestingly, the potential of such extraordinary animal adaptation for human and animal health as well as other biomedical considerations has raised particular attention especially in the last decade. The strong metabolic and physiological adaptations of heterotherms can be of particular inspiration for current biomedical and pathological situations (e.g., obesity and related diseases, cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunctions, ischemia-reperfusion injuries, immune depression) and for the health and longevity of animal species, including humans.