Transitioning between entry and exit from mammalian torpor: The involvement of signal transduction pathways.

Signal transduction pathways transmit information received at the cell surface to intracellular targets which direct a response. We highlight the involvement of signaling pathways in mediating transitions between mammalian torpor and euthermia and suggest these promote survival under stressors (e.g., hypothermia, ischemia-reperfusion) that would otherwise cause damage in nonhibernators.