Microtine ultradian rhythm of activity: an evaluation of different hypotheses on the triggering mechanism

Abstract Ultradian activity rhythms are a peculiar behavioural pattern, in which the 24‐h day is divided into several short‐term activity cycles. Such patterns are particularly prominent in microtine rodents. In this paper we review experimental findings and proposed hypotheses on the proximate triggering mechanism of ultradian rhythmicity. Eight different mechanisms (classified as homeostatic, pacemaker and stochastic hypotheses) were analysed within the same theoretical model‐framework, considering feeding, food processing, energy turnover and activity behaviour. Ultradian activity patterns could consistently be generated by each of the analysed models. None of the models, however, resulted in frequency dependencies in respect to body weight, metabolic rate, food quality and food deprivation, unless additional assumptions were introduced. From our model evaluations we concluded that the stochastic model does not represent an independent hypothesis. Hence, only homeostatic and pacemaker hypotheses remained as alternative approaches to the triggering mechanism. Although the pacemaker hypothesis appeared more reasonable, a combination with some feedback mechanism to metabolism seemed even more likely. Some key experiments are suggested, which could give insight into the complex mechanism.