Meeting Abstract
P2.119 Tuesday, Jan. 5 Endocannabinoid levels in Siberian hamsters across sex and season HO, J.M.*; DEMAS, G.E.; Indiana University, Bloomington; Indiana University, Bloomington jmho@indiana.edu
Regulation of energy balance is critical to survival and optimal functioning in all organisms. Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) adapt to harsh winter conditions with decreases in food intake and adiposity, thereby lowering energy requirements. The neuroendocrine mechanisms responsible for these changes are not well understood, and classic hypothalamic peptides involved in homeostatic regulation of energy balance provide little explanation. The endocannabinoid system is known to influence appetite and energy expenditure and may contribute to seasonal modulation of energy balance. To determine whether the endocannabinoid system is involved in mediating seasonal changes in energy balance in Siberian hamsters, we tested whether endocannabinoid signaling changes across seasons. Specifically, we examined endocannabinoid levels in the brain, liver, and adipose tissue of hamsters acclimated to short, winter-like or long, summer-like days following 0, 3, or 9 weeks of exposure. We further assessed brain levels of the endocannabinoid receptor, CB1, and data from males and females will be presented. Together, these findings will give insight to endocannabinoid involvement in the regulation of energy balance in Siberian hamsters and provide an important model for studying dynamic regulation of energy balance in response to changes in environment.
