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Ultradian rhythms in avoidance behavior of DBA mice
S Conte1, F D'Olimpio, F Ferlazzo
1Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università di Palermo, Italy.
Physiology & Behavior
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Mice exhibit a consistent ultradian rhythm in their avoidance behavior, with a period of approximately 14 minutes. This finding suggests the presence of a basic rest-activity cycle (BRAC) in small rodents.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
- Chronobiology
Background:
- Ultradian rhythms are biological cycles shorter than 24 hours.
- The basic rest-activity cycle (BRAC) is a theorized ultradian rhythm observed in humans.
- Limited research exists on BRAC in small rodent models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of ultradian rhythms in mouse avoidance behavior.
- To determine if these rhythms align with the basic rest-activity cycle (BRAC).
Main Methods:
- Utilized a computer-controlled shuttle box to measure reaction times (RTs) in mice.
- Trained male DBA mice to a criterion of 98% accuracy in an avoidance task.
- Applied discrete Fourier transform to analyze temporal sequences of RTs and generate periodograms.
Main Results:
- A stable rhythm was identified in mouse avoidance behavior.
- The observed rhythm had a consistent period of approximately 14 minutes.
- Periodograms from multiple sessions and subjects confirmed the rhythm's stability.
Conclusions:
- The study provides evidence for a 14-minute ultradian rhythm in mouse avoidance behavior.
- This rhythm supports the hypothesis of a basic rest-activity cycle (BRAC) in small rodents.
- Findings suggest BRAC may be a conserved biological mechanism across species.