Thermoregulation in the appendix of the Sauromatum guttatum (Schott) inflorescence

BACKGROUND: Three phenolic compounds are capable of activating the process that simultaneously leads to temperature rise and odor-production in the Sauromatum appendix. These compounds are salicylic acid, aspirin, and 2,6 dihydroxybenzoic acid. The objectives of the present study were to examine the effect of various concentrations of the these inducers on the temperature rise and to study the effect of mitochondrial inhibitors (KCN and SHAM) and an uncoupler (DNP) on the temperature rise. RESULTS: In sections of the Sauromatum appendix two successive temperature rate maxima were detected in the presence of the three inducers. Two temperature maxima were also detected in appendices of intact inflorescences. The temperature profiles demonstrated a considerable variability within sections of one appendix in both magnitude and time of reaching a peak. When the Sauromatum temperature decreased it returned either to the same temperature baseline or to a slightly different baseline. The temperature rise was blocked by KCN (20 mM) and SHAM (40 mM) alone or when added together. DNP, an uncoupler, at 2.5 mM also blocked the rise in temperature. The thermogenic inducers also triggered a temperature rise in Arum appendix. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of two rate maxima may indicate different heat-generating sources. The blockage of the temperature rise in the presence of KCN or SHAM implies that the activity of the cyanide-resistant and -sensitive pathways is required for generating heat. The variability in temperature profiles maybe related to changes in cellular control factors. This study provides the basis for investigating thermoregulation in plants. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40529-014-0068-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.