PubMed · 12932811
Interval timing in mice does not rely upon the circadian pacemaker.
Abstract
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus is a precise timekeeper that controls and synchronizes the circadian period of countless physiological and behavioural functions and entrains them to the 24 h light/dark cycle. We examined the possibility that it is also indirectly involved in measurement of a briefer interval by observing the effects of lesions targeted at the SCN, and abolishing circadian rhythmicity, upon interval timing behaviour. Fourteen house mice (Mus musculus) were trained to estimate a 10 s interval using a modified peak procedure, and then underwent electrolytic lesions. Six individuals became behaviourally arrhythmic. Peak interval performance was then assessed in 12:12 light/dark conditions and in constant darkness. No significant change in peak characteristics was observed as a consequence of the lesion for either rhythmic or arrhythmic groups. These results show that the accurate measurement of 10 s requires neither a functioning circadian pacemaker nor entrained behavioural rhythmicity.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
P A Lewis, R C Miall, S Daan, A Kacelnik. 2003-09-18. Interval timing in mice does not rely upon the circadian pacemaker.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0304-3940(03)00521-4
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.