negative regulation of cold-induced thermogenesis

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the rate of cold-induced thermogenesis. [PMID:27876809]

Negative regulation of cold-induced thermogenesis is a complex process that involves a delicate balance of signaling pathways and cellular responses to maintain body temperature during exposure to cold. Here’s a breakdown of the key mechanisms:

**1. Sensing Cold:**
* **Thermosensitive neurons:** Specialized neurons located in the hypothalamus and skin detect a decrease in temperature. These neurons activate signaling pathways that trigger thermogenesis.

**2. Inhibiting Thermogenesis:**
* **Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS):** The SNS, which normally activates thermogenesis, is actually suppressed in this process. This dampens the body's default response to cold, reducing heat production.
* **Hormonal Regulation:**
* **Thyroid Hormone (T3/T4):** While normally promoting thermogenesis, T3/T4 levels can be downregulated during prolonged cold exposure. This prevents excessive energy expenditure and allows for conservation.
* **Leptin:** This hormone, usually signaling satiety, also plays a role in reducing thermogenesis in response to cold.
* **Cellular Mechanisms:**
* **Uncoupling Protein 1 (UCP1):** Found in brown adipose tissue (BAT), UCP1 is a key player in thermogenesis. In negative regulation of cold-induced thermogenesis, UCP1 expression and activity are suppressed, hindering the production of heat.
* **Mitochondrial Respiration:** The efficiency of mitochondrial respiration is reduced, decreasing the amount of heat produced as a byproduct of energy production.

**3. Energy Conservation:**
* **Metabolic Rate Reduction:** The body lowers its overall metabolic rate to conserve energy. This means slowing down processes like protein synthesis and cell growth.
* **Behavioral Adjustments:** Shivering, a common response to cold, is actively inhibited to prevent unnecessary energy expenditure.

**4. Adaptive Response:**
* **Acclimatization:** With prolonged exposure to cold, the body adapts by becoming more efficient at conserving heat. This can include changes in blood flow, fat deposition, and even the size and activity of BAT.

**Overall, negative regulation of cold-induced thermogenesis ensures that the body doesn't waste energy by producing unnecessary heat, allowing for a more sustainable response to cold environments. The process involves intricate interactions between the nervous system, hormones, and cellular processes.**'
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Proteins (17)

Compounds (2,364)