FIGURE 2.

Mechanism of uridine involved in thermoregulation. During fasting, uridine is synthesized mainly by adipose tissue, a process that accompanies the breakdown of fat. The elevated plasma uridine is expected to signal to hypothalamus so that the oxygen consumption and body temperature will decrease. After refeeding, plasma uridine level is decreased through bile, which allows the recovery of oxygen consumption and body temperature. Leptin is not necessary for uridine-induced hypothermia, but leptin-deficiency slows down the recovery of body temperature post uridine administration.