Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/12196
Type: Journal article
Title: The effect of alterations in activity and body temperature on the pulmonary surfactant system in the lesser long-eared bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi
Author: Slocombe, Nicola C.
Codd, Jonathan R.
Wood, Philip G.
Orgeig, Sandra
Daniels, Christopher Brian
Citation: Journal of Experimental Biology, 2000; 203(16):2429-2435
Publisher: Company of Biologists Ltd
Issue Date: 2000
ISSN: 0022-0949
Statement of
Responsibility: 
Nicola C. Slocombe, Jonathan R. Codd, Philip G. Wood, Sandra Orgeig and Christopher B. Daniels
Abstract: Pulmonary surfactant is a mixture of phospholipids, neutral lipids and proteins that controls the surface tension of the fluid lining the lung. It is critical for lung stability and function. The amount and composition of surfactant are influenced by physiological variables such as metabolic rate, body temperature and ventilation. We investigated the plasticity of the pulmonary surfactant system in the microchiropteran bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi throughout a natural 24 h cycle. Bats were housed at 24 degrees C on a fixed (8 h:16 h) light:dark photoperiod. At 4 h intervals throughout the 24 h period, bats were lavaged and the surfactant analysed for absolute and relative amounts of total phospholipid (PL), disaturated phospholipid (DSP) and cholesterol (Chol). N. geoffroyi experienced two peaks of activity, at 18:00 h and 06:00 h. The amount of surfactant increased 1.5-fold upon arousal from torpor. The proportion of DSP to PL in the surfactant remained constant. Similarly, the Chol/PL and Chol/DSP ratios remained relatively constant. Surfactant cholesterol content did not increase during torpor in N. geoffroyi. Cholesterol does not appear to control surfactant fluidity during torpor in these bats, but instead the cholesterol content exactly mirrored the diurnal changes in body temperature.
Keywords: Torpor; arousal; cholesterol; phospholipid; lesser long-eared bat; Nyctophilus geoffroyi
Rights: © The Company of Biologists
Published version: http://jeb.biologists.org/cgi/content/abstract/203/16/2429
Appears in Collections:Ecology, Evolution and Landscape Science publications

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