ALPHA(2)-MACROGLOBULIN GENE-EXPRESSION DURING HIBERNATION IN-GROUND SQUIRRELS IS INDEPENDENT OF ACUTE-PHASE RESPONSE

alpha(2)-Macroglobulin, a major acute phase reactant in many species, increases in the Richardson's ground squirrel (Spermophilus richardson ii) during hibernation at the level of both mRNA and protein. To deter mine if the pattern of liver gene expression known as the acute phase response is elicited as a normal part of the physiological adaptation of hibernation, acute phase reactants were identified in the Richardso n's ground squirrel and were then assayed for changes in mRNA expressi on in the livers of active and hibernating ground squirrels. Our data demonstrate that alpha(1)-antitrypsin, alpha(2)-macroglobulin, cerulop lasmin, C-reactive protein, and serum amyloid A are acute phase reacta nts in the Richardson's ground squirrel. Of these, only alpha(2)-macro globulin (alpha(2)M) mRNA increases during hibernation, demonstrating that the entire acute phase response is not elicited as a part of the adaptation for hibernation. Alternatively, data from blood clotting as says of serum from active and hibernating animals support a role for t he increase in alpha(2)M protein during hibernation in decreasing the coagulative properties of the blood.