Laboratory of mechanisms of natural and artificial hypobiosis

Head of Laboratory

Zakharova, Nadezhda M

PhD in Biological/biomedical sciences
Publications
39
Citations
134
h-index
6
Publications
49
Citations
137
h-index
5
Authorization required.

The work of the laboratory is devoted to a comprehensive study of the features of physiological reactions and endogenous mechanisms of the unique resistance of winter-sleeping (hibernating) animals (Yakut ground squirrels) to the effects of extreme environmental factors. The study of the principles of the adaptation strategy of this animal species is becoming increasingly relevant due to the possibility of their application to identify functional reserves and their use in maintaining homeostasis of the human body in extreme conditions of cold, hypoxia and hepercapnia.

  1. Monitoring of the condition of winter-sleeping animals using an automatic registration system in order to take material from the tissues of winter-sleeping animals at the most optimal times and with directed biological activity.
  2. Methods of testing biologically active substances isolated from hibernant tissues on non-sleeping animals (effect on temperature, metabolic rate, behavior, bioelectric activity of brain structures, heart activity, etc.)
  3. Methods for assessing research activity, reactivity to stimuli of different modalities, emotional behavior and resistance to stress factors.
  4. An electrophysiological method for studying the contractile activity of isolated myocardial preparations in an isometric mode.
  5. Electrophysiological method of microelectrode removal of action potentials.
  6. An electrophysiological method for studying the contractile activity of the annular segment of the gopher aorta in an isometric mode.
  7. Measurement of the level of nitric oxide metabolites in blood serum by colorimetric method using a Griss reagent.
  8. Methods of isolation and study of the functional state of mitochondrial preparations.

Research directions

studying the bioenergetics of winter sleepers

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features of the functioning of mitochondrial preparations in various physiological conditions of animals.

investigation of the physiological properties of biologically active substances

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isolated from the tissue of winter sleepers

study of adaptive mechanisms of the cardiovascular system of winter sleepers

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allowing it to function at low temperatures and with a change in the physiological state of hibernants (wakefulness, entering into torpor, actually hibernation, awakening);

the study of the functional role of the central nervous system in the regulation of physiological and metabolic processes in winter sleepers;

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the role of hormones, monoamines, peptides in the mechanisms of hibernation, regulation of physiological functions and behavior of winter-sleeping animals;

Lab address

Пущино, ул. Институтская, 3
Authorization required.