Establishment of Circadian Rhythm Experiments using Bengalese Finches
Abstract
Abstract Marked increases in sleep deprivation and circadian rhythm disruption adversely affect human health and the quality of life. In particular, the expansion of nighttime lighting associated with a 24-h society and digital technology has promoted late-night activity in mothers and children. Studies have examined the effects of circadian disruption on brain development in chickens, which are diurnal animals with genomic similarities to humans; however, adult chickens lack post-hatching parental care, which limits their utility in analyses of parent–offspring interactions. In this study, we investigated the potential use of Bengalese finches (Lonchura striata domestica) as model animals for circadian rhythm and physiological research. Given that the small size of Bengalese finches makes it difficult to implant nanotags directly, we developed and fitted specialized garments containing nanotags. After one week under experimental light cycle conditions, rectal temperature and weight were measured, and the activity recorded by the nanotags was analyzed. The nanotag garments did not impede Bengalese finch flight nor did they influence body temperature, weight, or whole-blood glucose levels. Finches housed under a 12-h:12-h light–dark cycle exhibited minimal activity during the dark phase and increased activity after the lights were turned on, reaching peak levels above 40 counts. In contrast, finches housed under constant 24-h light exhibited relatively continuous activity…
Read the paper
Related studies
- Tryptophan Metabolism and Gut-Brain Homeostasis
- Rationale for a Multi-Factorial Approach for the Reversal of Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease and MCI: A Review
- Prioritized Research for the Prevention, Treatment, and Reversal of Chronic Disease: Recommendations From the Lifestyle Medicine Research Summit
- Relationship between sleep disorders and gut dysbiosis: what affects what?
- The role of CLOCK gene in psychiatric disorders: Evidence from human and animal research
- Genetic, Transcriptome, Proteomic, and Epidemiological Evidence for Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Polymicrobial Brain Invasion as Determinant Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.