A functional model of the mammalian circadian pacemaker.
This paper describes a general model of the mammalian circadian pacemaker with specific parameters for golden hamsters. The model successfully simulates free-runs in constant darkness and constant light, phase shifts induced by light pulses and entrainment and relative coordination under light-dark cycles. It also accounts for the recent findings that the amplitude of the phase response curve to light pulses is dependent on the free-running period of the animal and on the previous history of photic stimulation. Effects of non-photic stimuli on the circadian pacemaker are discussed.
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Department of Psychology, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23187.
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D001683:Biological Clocks / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006224:Cricetinae; D003624:Darkness; D008027:Light; D008647:Mesocricetus; D008954:Models, Biological; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D009154:Mutation; D010775:Photic Stimulation