Homeostasis relies upon the exquisite integration of diverse physiological functions, such as neuromuscular and cardiorespiratory functions and energy and thermal balance, in the face of external and internal challenges. The latter include physical exercise, which represents a short-term "metabolic upstate" of increased energy expenditure. To the other end of the spectrum, diverse physiological behaviors including sleep, daily torpor, and hibernation represent "metabolic downstates" of decreased energy expenditure. The study of physical exercise has been key for our current understanding of integrative physiology, for instance highlighting the role of feedforward control by central commands in complementing negative feedback regulation of physiological variables. In contrast, the integrative physiology of "metabolic downstates" remains insufficiently understood.
This Research Topic aims to contribute to bridge this knowledge gap by bringing together cutting-edge updates on the integrative physiology of metabolic downstates. The collection is open to any type of articles appropriate for the Integrative Physiology, Clinical and Translational Physiology and Autonomic Neuroscience sections. To be eligible for inclusion, contributions should focus on one or more vertebrate physiological behaviors, whose association with decreased energy expenditure is either measured or unequivocally supported by previous published evidence. We encourage contributions that address the integration of at least two different physiological functions. Articles that address purely pathological processes or treatment/management of disease do not fall within the areas covered by Frontiers in Physiology. However, it is only by understanding normal bodily function that the disruptions that lead to disease can be determined and corrected. In this light, submissions focusing on the pathophysiological implications of the integrative physiology of metabolic downstates are welcome.
Taken together, the articles collected aim at representing an updated view of the comparative physiology of metabolic downstates, illuminating both the comparison between species and that between behaviors. Individual research or review contributions explicitly addressing either or both of these comparisons are especially welcome.
Homeostasis relies upon the exquisite integration of diverse physiological functions, such as neuromuscular and cardiorespiratory functions and energy and thermal balance, in the face of external and internal challenges. The latter include physical exercise, which represents a short-term "metabolic upstate" of increased energy expenditure. To the other end of the spectrum, diverse physiological behaviors including sleep, daily torpor, and hibernation represent "metabolic downstates" of decreased energy expenditure. The study of physical exercise has been key for our current understanding of integrative physiology, for instance highlighting the role of feedforward control by central commands in complementing negative feedback regulation of physiological variables. In contrast, the integrative physiology of "metabolic downstates" remains insufficiently understood.
This Research Topic aims to contribute to bridge this knowledge gap by bringing together cutting-edge updates on the integrative physiology of metabolic downstates. The collection is open to any type of articles appropriate for the Integrative Physiology, Clinical and Translational Physiology and Autonomic Neuroscience sections. To be eligible for inclusion, contributions should focus on one or more vertebrate physiological behaviors, whose association with decreased energy expenditure is either measured or unequivocally supported by previous published evidence. We encourage contributions that address the integration of at least two different physiological functions. Articles that address purely pathological processes or treatment/management of disease do not fall within the areas covered by Frontiers in Physiology. However, it is only by understanding normal bodily function that the disruptions that lead to disease can be determined and corrected. In this light, submissions focusing on the pathophysiological implications of the integrative physiology of metabolic downstates are welcome.
Taken together, the articles collected aim at representing an updated view of the comparative physiology of metabolic downstates, illuminating both the comparison between species and that between behaviors. Individual research or review contributions explicitly addressing either or both of these comparisons are especially welcome.
