Changes in lipid composition of the brain cellular membranes of an hibernating mammal during its circannual rhythm.

The lipid composition of whole brain hemispheres and subcellular fractions of European Hamsters (Cricetus cricetus) was investigated at four different periods of the year. 1. No difference was observed in winter between hibernating animals and active animals awake for 24 hr. 2. A slight increase of cholesterol/phospholipid molar ratio was observed in winter. 3. A slight increase of the ratio ethanolamine phosphoglycerides/choline phosphoglycerides was observed in summer and autumn. 4. Some changes in sugar moieties proportions of gangliosides were observed, with a tendency of increased polysialylation in winter. 5. An increase of docosahexaenoic acid was observed in summer, while a slight increase of linoleic acid and of the monounsaturated fatty acids was observed in winter. These changes were mainly exhibited in the synaptosomal fraction. All the changes observed were of very small magnitude and might not be sufficient for the maintenance of a fluid state of membranes during hibernation.