Hypoglycemia and torpor in Siberian hamsters

The link between initiation of torpor and reduction of blood glucose concentrations is investigated in Siberian hamsters. Results showed that changes in blood glucose concentrations may be a consequence rather than a cause of the torpid state and leads to the question whether induction of torpor by 2-deoxy-D-glucose is due to its general glucoprivic actions. Analysis indicates that the critical signal for torpor onset may be one of several adipocyte feedback mechanisms.