title: Photoperiod alters affective responses in collared lemmings.
abstract: This study examined photoperiodic regulation of affective behaviours in collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus). Male and female lemmings were housed in either long (LD 22:2), intermediate (LD 16:8), or short days (LD 8:16) for 9 weeks. Exposure to short days induced moult to a winter pelage and gonadal regression in male, but not female, lemmings. Lemmings housed in long days reduced anxiety-like responses in the elevated plus maze. Depressive-like behaviours were decreased in the intermediate photoperiod relative to other photoperiod groups.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. Weil.20@osu.edu
authors.forename: Zachary M
authors.initials: ZM
authors.lastname: Weil
authors.forename: Stephanie L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Bowers
authors.forename: Randy J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Nelson
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D000818:Animals; D003411:Arvicolinae / Q000502:physiology*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D005106:Exploratory Behavior / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D005260:Female; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D017440:Photoperiod; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D012621:Seasons; D012737:Sex Factors; D012919:Social Behavior