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Setting the main circadian clock of a diurnal mammal by hypocaloric feeding
Author(s) -
Mendoza Jorge,
Gourmelen Sylviane,
Dumont Stephanie,
SageCiocca Dominique,
Pévet Paul,
Challet Etienne
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the journal of physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.802
H-Index - 240
eISSN - 1469-7793
pISSN - 0022-3751
DOI - 10.1113/jphysiol.2012.230300
Subject(s) - circadian rhythm , suprachiasmatic nucleus , light effects on circadian rhythm , nocturnal , circadian clock , biology , medicine , endocrinology , per2 , clock
Key points• Timed hypocaloric feeding alters the main circadian clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), in nocturnal rodents. • The endogenous oscillatory mechanism in the SCN is similar between nocturnal and diurnal mammals. • In this study we report that in the diurnal rodent Arvicanthis ansorgei , a timed hypocaloric feeding (HF) entrains and shifts behavioural and molecular circadian rhythms in the SCN. Nevertheless, instead of phase advancing the clock as in nocturnal rodents, HF phase delays the Arvicanthis SCN pacemaker. • Thus, HF modifies the circadian system of the diurnal rodent Arvicanthis ansorgei differentially from nocturnal rodents. • The present results will help us to better understand the circadian system in diurnal species and how feeding cues can synchronize daily rhythms.Abstract Caloric restriction attenuates the onset of a number of pathologies related to ageing. In mammals, circadian rhythms, controlled by the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic (SCN) clock, are altered with ageing. Although light is the main synchronizer for the clock, a daily hypocaloric feeding (HF) may also modulate the SCN activity in nocturnal rodents. Here we report that a HF also affects behavioural, physiological and molecular circadian rhythms of the diurnal rodent Arvicanthis ansorgei . Under constant darkness HF, but not normocaloric feeding (NF), entrains circadian behaviour. Under a light–dark cycle, HF at midnight led to phase delays of the rhythms of locomotor activity and plasma corticosterone. Furthermore, Per2 and vasopressin gene oscillations in the SCN were phase delayed in HF Arvicanthis compared with animals fed ad libitum . Moreover, light‐induced expression of Per genes in the SCN was modified in HF Arvicanthis , despite a non‐significant effect on light‐induced behavioural phase delays. Together, our data show that HF affects the circadian system of the diurnal rodent Arvicanthis ansorgei differentially from nocturnal rodents. The Arvicanthis model has relevance for the potential use of HF to manipulate circadian rhythms in diurnal species including humans.