Food deprivation in the common vole (Microtus arvalis) and the tundra vole (Microtus oeconomus)

Arvicolinae voles are small herbivores relying on constant food availability with weak adaptations to tolerate prolonged food deprivation. The present study performed a comparative analysis on the responses to 4-18 h of food deprivation in the common vole (Microtus arvalis) and the tundra vole (Microtus oeconomus). Both species exhibited rapid decreases in the plasma and liver carbohydrate concentrations during phase I of fasting and the decline in the liver glycogen level was more pronounced in the tundra vole. The plasma thyroxine concentrations of the common vole decreased after 4 h. Lipid mobilization (phase II of fasting) was indicated by the increased plasma free fatty acid levels after 8-18 (the common vole) or 4-18 h (the tundra vole) and by the elevated lipase activities. In the tundra vole, the plasma ghrelin concentrations increased after 12 h possibly to stimulate appetite. Both species showed increased liver lipid concentrations after 4 h and plasma aminotransferase and creatine kinase activities after 12-18 h of food deprivation implying liver dysfunction and skeletal muscle damage. No signs of stimulated protein catabolism characteristic to phase III of fasting were present during 18 h without food.