This study investigates ultradian rhythm in avoidance behavior of mice, which may constitute a Basic Rest Activity cycle (BRAC). Reaction times (RTs) of an avoidance response to a visual warning stimulus which preceded an electric shock were measured by the use of a computer-controlled shuttle-box. The male naive BDA mice were brought to a criterion of 98% correct responses in numerous training sessions. For each subject, all the temporal sequences of the RTs in the trials following achievement of the criterion were examined with Discrete Fourier Transform. Periodograms were obtained from 3 sessions for each of the 2 animals in the first experiment and from 15 subjects in the second experiment. Analysis of the periodograms reveals a stable rhythm in avoidance behavior of mice, with a period of about 14 minutes. The presence of these periodicities could show the existence, also in small rodents, of a BRAC rhythm.
Ultradian Rhythms in Avoidance Behaviour of DBA Mice
CONTE, STELLA;
1994-01-01
Abstract
This study investigates ultradian rhythm in avoidance behavior of mice, which may constitute a Basic Rest Activity cycle (BRAC). Reaction times (RTs) of an avoidance response to a visual warning stimulus which preceded an electric shock were measured by the use of a computer-controlled shuttle-box. The male naive BDA mice were brought to a criterion of 98% correct responses in numerous training sessions. For each subject, all the temporal sequences of the RTs in the trials following achievement of the criterion were examined with Discrete Fourier Transform. Periodograms were obtained from 3 sessions for each of the 2 animals in the first experiment and from 15 subjects in the second experiment. Analysis of the periodograms reveals a stable rhythm in avoidance behavior of mice, with a period of about 14 minutes. The presence of these periodicities could show the existence, also in small rodents, of a BRAC rhythm.
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