Circadian Rhythmicity of the Intestinal Transit in Rats and its Disturbance through Experimental Hyperthyroidism

Abstract

Triantaphyllidis, H. & Bader, J. P. Circadian rhythmicity of the intestinal transit in rats and its disturbance through experimental hyperthyroidism. Scand. J. Gastroent. 1974, 9, 487–494.

The existence of a circadian rhythm was demonstrated in rats with regard to faecal elimination and its consequences, namely variable intestinal transit times depending on the moment of the nyctohemeral cycle at which transit markers were administered. Experimental hyperthyroidism upsets this rhythm, reducing its amplitude and possibly displacing its acrophase (time of maximum). Intestinal transit is shortened only for substances ingested at certain times during the nyctohemeral cycle.

Key-words::

• Circadian
• faeces
• hyperthyroidism
• intestine
• isotopes
• rhythm