The Effect of Temperature on Glycolysis in Brain and Skeletal Muscle from a Hibernator and a Non-Hibernator

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Abstract
Rates of glycolysis ([mu]l CO2 produced/gm dry wt/hr) were measured in brain and skeletal muscle from active or hibernating ground squirrels (Citellus tridecemlineatus) and albino rats at 5, 16, 27, and 38[degree]C. The rate of glycolysis in active or hibernating ground squirrel brain tissue was significantly higher than that in rat tissue at 27, 16, and 5[degree]C; however, no interspecific differences were found in skeletal muscle. Between 16 and 5C, the temperature coefficient (Q10) for glycolysis was markedly lower in the ground squirrel brain when compared to the rat brain. The comparatively higher capacity for cerebral glycolysis in the ground squirrel brain, at temperatures below 38[degree]C suggests a cellular adaptation to hypothermia in the hibernator.