Hormonal thermogenesis of "non-norepinephrine" type.

Physiological significance and mechanisms controlling thermogenesis due to substances other than norepinephrine (NE) are considered. Epinephrine (E) induces a strong calorigenic effect, which is potentiated by cold adaptation to the level observed after application of NE. Thermogenesis due to E is located to a great extent in visceral organs. Cold acclimation increases the component of epinephrine thermogenesis located in the brown adipose tissue and non-visceral organs, predominantly. Although E and NE act on the same thermogenic effector, their effect is realized via different regulatory sites. Steroid hormones are not necessary for inducing cold resistance and thermogenesis due to NE. The permissive role of steroids and other substances in inducing changes in enzyme activity and synthesis during various cold stress is discussed.