Circadian and ultradian rhythms in locomotory activity of inbred strains of mice

Abstract

In this study we recorded locomotor activity of two inbred of mice (B6 and C) in two photoperiod conditions (LD 12:12 and DD) to characterize behavioural parameters of the endogenous rhythms of locomotor activity with particular attention to the ultradian rhythms. Literature reveals discordant data for these parameters, both for animals belonging to the same strain and to those in the same laboratory or monitored in the same conditions. Our results show that C strain has a shorter and unstable endogenous circadian period, while B6 strain has a longer and stable endogenous rhythm. In our study, B6 showed a longer and stable period than C, so we can confirm the presence of a genetic component underlying this trait. Ultradian rhythms are expressed independently of either the photoperiod or the circadian rhythm. There are no strain-dependent differences in the periods of 12, 8 and 4 h. The situation was different for the length of the ultradian period in the range 1–8 h and for the weighted power in the ranges 480–300 and 300–100 min, for which there were differences between photoperiods and strains.

Keywords:

• circadian rhythms
• ultradian rhythms
• locomotory activity
• inbred strains
• radar doppler

Acknowledgements

We thank Prof. Fabio Ferlazzo and Prof. Francesca D'Olimpio for their suggestions.