Circadian rhythms in vasopressin deficient rats

Brain Res Bull. 1981 Feb;6(2):125-30. doi: 10.1016/s0361-9230(81)80036-6.

Abstract

Circadian rhythms in wheel running and drinking behavior were investigated using heterozygous an homozygous (diabetes insipidus) female Brattleboro rats Despite the lack of vasopressin in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the diabetic rats, they showed coherent rhythms, both in cyclic light and in constant light. However, the periods of the free-running rhythms were longer for the diabetic rats, they were less active, and, of course, were severely polydipsic. Replacement treatment with systemic infusions of vasopressin reversed the polydipsia but did not affect the other measures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Circadian Rhythm*
  • Drinking
  • Efferent Pathways / physiology
  • Female
  • Motor Activity / physiology
  • Optic Chiasm / physiology
  • Phenotype
  • Rats
  • Supraoptic Nucleus / physiology
  • Vasopressins / physiology*

Substances

  • Vasopressins