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The effect of restricted feeding on the wheel-running activity rhythms of the predatory marsupial Dasyurus viverrinus

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Summary

The effects of restricted feeding schedules on the circadian rhythms of wheel-running of Dasyurus viverrinus were examined under a light/dark cycle and in constant darkness (experiment 1) and in constant light (experiment 2). The results of the 2 experiments showed that: (1) in contrast to the light/dark cycle, restricted feeding is only a weak zeitgeber for the wheel-running activity rhythms of D. viverrinus; (2) restricted feeding elicits meal anticipatory activity in D. viverrinus comparable to that elicited by restricted feeding in the rat; (3) transient cycles of the anticipatory activity free-run with a period different to that of the main component of activity for several cycles after the termination of restricted feeding; and (4) activity suggestive of beating between 2 oscillators occurs during restricted feeding and after the termination of restricted feeding. Taken together the latter 3 observations suggest that the activity rhythms of D. viverrinus are controlled by at least 2 separate circadian oscillators.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, LaTrobe University, 3083, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia

    Gerard A. Kennedy, Grahame J. Coleman & Stuart M. Armstrong

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  1. Gerard A. Kennedy
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  2. Grahame J. Coleman
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  3. Stuart M. Armstrong
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Kennedy, G.A., Coleman, G.J. & Armstrong, S.M. The effect of restricted feeding on the wheel-running activity rhythms of the predatory marsupial Dasyurus viverrinus . J Comp Physiol A 166, 607–618 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00240010

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