Photoperiod alters affective responses in collared lemmings

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.