Differential regulation of adipokines may influence migratory behavior in the white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis).

ABSTRACT: White-throated sparrows increase fat deposits during pre-migratory periods and rely on these fat stores to fuel migration. Adipose tissue produces hormones and signaling factors in a rhythmic fashion and may be controlled by a clock in adipose tissue or driven by a master clock in the brain. The master clock may convey photoperiodic information from the environment to adipose tissue to facilitate pre-migratory fattening, and adipose tissue may, in turn, release adipokines to indicate the extent of fat energy stores. Here, we present evidence that a change in signal from the adipokines adiponectin and visfatin may act to indicate body condition, thereby influencing an individual's decision to commence migratory flight, or to delay until adequate fat stores are acquired. We quantified plasma

SUBMITTER: Stuber EF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3681758 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature