Daily restricted feeding rescues a rhythm of period2 expression in the arrhythmic suprachiasmatic nucleus

Neuroscience. 2005;132(2):245-8. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.01.029.

Abstract

Second only to light, daily restricted feeding schedules can entrain circadian rhythms in mammals [Neurosci Biobehav Rev 4 (1980) 119; J Biol Rhythms 17 (2002) 284]. Contrary to light, however, such feeding schedules have been found not to affect the master circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) [Genes Dev 14 (2000) 2950; Eur J Neurosci 13 (2001) 1190]. Here, we show that in rats that are arrhythmic as a consequence of prolonged housing in constant light, a daily restricted feeding schedule not only restores behavioral rhythmicity, as previously shown [Physiol Behav 53 (1993) 509], but in addition, induces a rhythm of the clock protein, Period2 in the SCN. These findings challenge the idea that the SCN is invulnerable to feeding schedules and call for a reevaluation of the role of the SCN clock in the circadian effects of such schedules.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Animals
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / metabolism*
  • Behavior, Animal
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology*
  • Eye Proteins / metabolism*
  • Feeding Behavior / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • Male
  • Motor Activity / physiology
  • Photoperiod*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / metabolism*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Eye Proteins