The role of circadian rhythmicity in reproduction

Circadian rhythmicity is evident in a wide range of physiological systems including the reproductive axis. The recent discoveries of rhythmic clock gene expression in peripheral tissues, including reproductive tissue, suggests that they may play an important role in optimizing fertility. The evidence for rhythmic control of reproduction from studies in laboratory animals is reviewed and where possible this includes evidence from human studies. Clock genes are highly conserved across species including humans and there is no reason to suggest that they are functionless in humans. The challenge issued here is for researchers to probe their function and the consequences of their disruption in both animal and human reproduction.