X-Message-Number: 28624
References: <>
From: David Stodolsky <>
Subject: Transgenic Mice with a Reduced Core Body Temperature Have an ...
Date: Fri, 3 Nov 2006 19:51:44 +0100

http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/314/5800/825





Transgenic Mice with a Reduced Core Body Temperature Have an  
Increased Life Span


Reduction of core body temperature has been proposed to contribute to  
the increased life span and the antiaging effects conferred by  
calorie restriction (CR). Validation of this hypothesis has been  
difficult in homeotherms, primarily due to a lack of experimental  
models. We report that transgenic mice engineered to overexpress the  
uncoupling protein 2 in hypocretin neurons (Hcrt-UCP2) have elevated  
hypothalamic temperature. The effects of local temperature elevation  
on the central thermostat resulted in a 0.3  to 0.5 C reduction of  
the core body temperature. Fed ad libitum, Hcrt-UCP2 transgenic mice  
had the same caloric intake as their wild-type littermates but had  
increased energy efficiency and a greater median life span (12%  
increase in males; 20% increase in females). Thus, modest, sustained  
reduction of core body temperature prolonged life span independent of  
altered diet or CR.

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