Phase Response Curve to Melatonin in a Putatively Diurnal Rodent, Octodon degus

Abstract

The degu (Octodon degus) is a diurnal rodent, although phase inversions to nocturnal behavior have been reported under specific laboratory conditions. The reliability of this animal as a diurnal model of sleep therefore requires further characterization of intrinsic circadian pacemaker properties. A phase response curve to light has been reported in the degu, and is consistent with other diurnal animals. This study reports a phase response curve to melatonin in the degu, which is distinct in orientation from the light curve.

• Melatonin
• Phase response
• Diurnal
• Octodon degus
• Degu