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Evolution of adaptation mechanisms: Adaptation energy, stress, and oscillating death.

Authors :
Gorban AN
Tyukina TA
Smirnova EV
Pokidysheva LI
Source :
Journal of theoretical biology [J Theor Biol] 2016 Sep 21; Vol. 405, pp. 127-39. Date of Electronic Publication: 2016 Jan 19.
Publication Year :
2016

Abstract

In 1938, Selye proposed the notion of adaptation energy and published 'Experimental evidence supporting the conception of adaptation energy.' Adaptation of an animal to different factors appears as the spending of one resource. Adaptation energy is a hypothetical extensive quantity spent for adaptation. This term causes much debate when one takes it literally, as a physical quantity, i.e. a sort of energy. The controversial points of view impede the systematic use of the notion of adaptation energy despite experimental evidence. Nevertheless, the response to many harmful factors often has general non-specific form and we suggest that the mechanisms of physiological adaptation admit a very general and nonspecific description. We aim to demonstrate that Selye׳s adaptation energy is the cornerstone of the top-down approach to modelling of non-specific adaptation processes. We analyze Selye׳s axioms of adaptation energy together with Goldstone׳s modifications and propose a series of models for interpretation of these axioms. Adaptation energy is considered as an internal coordinate on the 'dominant path' in the model of adaptation. The phenomena of 'oscillating death' and 'oscillating remission' are predicted on the base of the dynamical models of adaptation. Natural selection plays a key role in the evolution of mechanisms of physiological adaptation. We use the fitness optimization approach to study of the distribution of resources for neutralization of harmful factors, during adaptation to a multifactor environment, and analyze the optimal strategies for different systems of factors.<br /> (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1095-8541
Volume :
405
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of theoretical biology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
26801872
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtbi.2015.12.017