title: Some regulatory aspects of thermogenesis in cold-exposed piglets.
abstract: 1. Thermoregulatory mechanisms were studied in weaned piglets fed ad libitum for 3 weeks at 12 or 23 degrees C. 2. Cold-adapted pigs maintained a growth rate and a carcass composition similar to the control ones, while increasing food intake by 20% (P less than 0.05). 3. Lipoprotein lipase activity was increased (P less than 0.05) by cold exposure in white adipose tissue (WAT) and heart. A large enhancement of lipogenesis was observed in WAT and to a lesser extent in the liver while WAT composition did not change significantly in the cold. 4. Cytochrome oxydase activity was increased in liver (30%), perirenal fat (40%) and interscapular muscle (75%) of cold-exposed pigs. 5. Plasma levels of thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4) were increased in the cold. 6. Mechanisms and locations of heat production are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000064:Acclimatization; D000818:Animals; D001823:Body Composition; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D001835:Body Weight; D003080:Cold Temperature; D002149:Energy Intake; D009929:Organ Size; D013552:Swine / Q000502:physiology*