NO METABOLIC SUPPRESSION IN THE DJUNGARIAN HAMSTER OR RAT BY INJECTIONS OF PLASMA FROM THE WINTER-SLEEPING BROWN BEAR

1. According to the 'hibernation induction trigger' (HIT) theory, a ch emical exists in the blood of hibernating or winter-sleeping animals t hat can induce hibernation and even affect body temperature and the ac tivity of non-hibernators. However, results of studies on this subject are rather ambiguous. 2. In this study, plasma from winter-sleeping E uropean brown bear (Ursus arctos arctos) was injected into Djungarian hamsters (Phadopus sungorus) and laboratory rats (Sprague-Dawley) to t est its ability to induce changes in the body temperature and activity of the recipients. 3. The measurements were performed using radio tel emetry. 4. In ail trials, the plasma had no effects on the body temper ature or activity of the recipients. 5. Our results suggest that there is no universal HIT-substance in the plasma of the European brown bea r.