Changes in CNS responsiveness during hibernation.

The ability of the midbrain reticular formation (MRF) to produce thermogenic responses and to trigger arousal from hibernation was tested during successive quarters of individual hibernation bouts. Golden-mantled ground squirrels (Citellus lateralis) were implanted with bilateral cannula guides into the MRF. Single, bilateral, 1-mul injections of acetylcholine (ACh) at concentrations of 50, 100, or 200 mug/mul were delivered in each quarter of the same bout or in selected quarters of different bouts. The results show that the magnitude of thermogenic responses evoked by ACh stimulation of the MRF was depressed during the early portion of the bout and increased as time in the bout elapsed. Furthermore, the magnitude of responses evoked during hibernation was depressed in comparison to those evoked during euthermia, indicating the influence of inhibition on the responsiveness of the CNS during hibernation. We suggest that during hibernation, a progressive change in responsiveness of the CNS, perhpas focused in the MRF, controls the duration of each hibernation bout.