Circadian rhythm of plasma and adrenal corticosterone in rats: effect of restricted feeding schedules.
Young male Wistar rats were maintained under controlled light schedule (light:darkness 12:12 h). Control group had free access to food, while other two groups were fed either for 2 h at the beginning of light period (morning hours) or for 2 h at the beginning of dark period (evening hours). The levels of serum and adrenal corticosterone in a control group were increased during the light period and decreased during the dark one. Circadian rhythm of corticosterone level was not remarkably changed in a group fed at evening hours. However, in a group fed at morning hours the level of corticosterone increased at the end of a dark period, while it decreased after the intake of food. It was concluded that the time of feeding appears to be an important circumstance modifying a circadian rhythm of serum and adrenal corticosterone in rats.
D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003345:Corticosterone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D004435:Eating; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats
D003345:Corticosterone