D. Banin et al., METABOLISM AND THERMOREGULATION IN THE LEVANT VOLE MICROTUS-GUENTHERI- THE ROLE OF PHOTOPERIODICITY, Journal of thermal biology, 19(1), 1994, pp. 55-62
1. The populations of the Levant vole, Microtus guentheri, inhabiting
the Mediterranean ecosystem of Israel, are marginal populations which
seem to be well adapted to its long dry and warm season. The thermoreg
ulatory and metabolic responses of the Levant voles of Israel to manip
ulation of photoperiod were studied to assess the role of photoperiodi
city in seasonal acclimatization. 2. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) and
body temperature at various ambient temperatures, overall thermal cond
uctance, nonshivering thermogenesis, gross energy and digestible energ
y intake were measured in voles acclimated to long scotophase (8L:16D)
and long photophase (16L:8D) at a constant ambient temperature of 25
+/- 1 degrees C. 3. This study revealed that acclimation to a long pho
tophase resulted in a decreased RMR and minimal thermal conductance, b
ut in a higher upper critical point of the thermoneutral zone, as well
as higher gross energy and digestible energy intakes and in a higher
body mass. 4. Therefore, we suggest that an increased photophase is an
important environmental cue for summer acclimatization of the metabol
ic and thermoregulatory systems in the Levant vole.