Circadian rhythm of catecholamine excretion in rats after phase shift of light-dark cycle

To clarify the time course of circadian rhythm adaptation to a phase shift of the light-dark (LD) cycle, urinary excretion of catecholamines was measured in rats before and after a 12-hour or 6-hour phase delay of a 12-hour light and 12-hour dark schedule. In rats under a basal condition, distinct circadian rhythms in catecholamine excretion were observed, especially in adrenaline excretion. During the 1st and 2nd days after a 12-hour phase delay, the acrophase and amplitude of adrenaline rhythm remained almost unchanged, but thereafter the acrophase was retarded and the amplitude was reduced. The acrophase once again became constant after 5 or 6 days, but the ratio of amplitude to mesor in the circadian rhythm of adrenaline excretion and the ratio of light-period to 24-hour noradrenaline excretion were readjusted to the new LD schedule on 11th or 12th day. IN the 6-hour phase delay of the LD cycle, similar findings were observed, and the results suggested adaptation on the 5-6th day. It is considered that the circadian rhythms of the sympathetic adrenomedullary function are restored, at the latest, 12 days after a 12-hour delay of the LD cycle, and 6 days after a 6-hour delay, suggesting that rats need approximately 1 day to adapt to a 1-hour phase shift.