The Preservation of Muscle Mitochondrial Machinery During Hypometabolic Hibernation in Scandinavian Brown Bears (Ursus arctos).

Key Points

• The aim is to understand how bears maintain mitochondrial function during hibernation despite inactivity.
• Analyzed mitochondrial density and function in hibernating bears
• Measured electron flow and fuel flexibility in muscle tissues
• Assessed temperature effects on mitochondrial energetics
• Mitochondrial density was reduced, yet energetics were preserved
• Electron flow maintained despite hibernation
• Flexibility in fuel selection was observed during inactivity