The stability of the circadian rhythm of green finches (Carduelis chloris) under the influence of a weak electrical field.
Free-running activity rhythms of nine green finches (Carduelis chloris) were studied under the influence of a 10-Hz square-wave electrical field. With a field strength of magnitude of E = 2.5 V/m in the empty cage, the population had a mean period of 23.64 +/- 0.77 hr. In the same experiment, but without the electrical field, the period was 23.66 +/- 0.80 hr. These results are in contradiction to Wever's description of a field-induced shortening of the period. A series of experiments with 10-Hz pulses of the same square-wave form, yet with various field strengths (8.7 and 65.2 V/m), also gave no effects.
Lintzen
T
T
Max-Planck-Institut für Biochemie, Martinsried, Federal Republic of Germany.
Boese
G
G
Müller
M
M
Eichmeier
J
J
Ruhenstroth-Bauer
G
G
D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds / Q000502:physiology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004560:Electricity; D012016:Reference Values