Circadian and seasonal variations of lipogenesis in the Gulf killifish, Fundulus grandis

Abstract

Lipogenesis was measured in male Gulf killifish at three seasons under different environmental conditions. Cold temperature is stimulatory for lipogenesis in the fall and spring, but warm temperature is more stimulatory during the summer. The highest rate of lipogenesis occurs during the spring. However, total body fat content is relatively low at that time, which suggests that lipids are being actively mobilized as well. A high rate of lipogenesis also occurs at a cold temperature (20 degrees C) during the fall, and more lipids are stored at that time of year, as evidenced by higher liver and body fat stores. Both lipogenesis and total body fat content are at a minimum during the summer. These results indicate that high levels of lipid synthesis do not necessarily result in higher body fat content, as the latter is the product of both lipid synthesis and lipid mobilization. This study is also in agreement with previous studies which had indicated a changing responsiveness to temperature during the annual cycle of the Gulf killfish.