title: Circadian drinking rhythms in SHR and WKY rats: effects of increasing light intensity.
abstract: This study sought to define the generality of a previous finding that the spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat strains differ in free-running circadian period when maintained in running-wheel cages under constant light. Circadian drinking rhythms were monitored in SHRs and WKYs housed without access to running wheels under an increasing series of light intensities beginning with constant darkness. Strain differences in circadian period were seen only at relatively high light intensities, indicating that SHRs and WKYs differ in circadian light sensitivity. Since SHRs and WKYs differ in circadian period with or without access to running wheels, this strain difference is not likely to depend on differential locomotor activity levels. SHRs and WKYs also differed in spectral profile and circadian waveform, but only under low light intensities. At higher intensities, dissociation of rhythmicity was seen in both strains.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Maine, Orono 04469-5742.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Rosenwasser
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000235:genetics*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000235:genetics*; D004326:Drinking / Q000235:genetics*; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000235:genetics; D051381:Rats; D011918:Rats, Inbred SHR; D011921:Rats, Inbred WKY; D012931:Social Environment; D013045:Species Specificity