Effects of complete and partial SCN lesions on ultradian and circadian locomotor activity rhythms in LEW/Ztm rats : [abstract]

Abstract

Both circadian end ultradian rhythms in locomotor activity have been observed in laboratory rats. However, while the neural pacemaker involved in the regulation of the circadian activity rhythm (as well as many other rodent circadian rhythms) appears to be located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), the neural basis for the generation of behavioral ultradian rhythms remains unclear, Complete and partial lesions of the SCN were used to determine if the same neural substitute may underlie both circadian and ultradian rhythms in the wheel-running activity of LEW/Ztm rats.