Characterization and regulation of cold-induced heat shock protein expression in mouse brown adipose tissue

Tissue-specific induction of heat shock protein (HSP) in brown adipose tissue (BAT) along with subsequent induction of mitochondrial uncoupling protein synthesis occurs in mice upon exposure to cold ambient temperatures. Norepinephrine activated by the cold exposure may induce HSP expression in BAT by mediating transcription of HSP genes after binding to BAT adrenergic receptors. Body temperature is then raised when BAT metabolic enzymes are activated and synthesized.