Sympathetic Activation and Circadian Clock Resetting in Mice

Abstract

Mice are nocturnal animals that exhibit predictable activity patterns controlled by their internal (circadian) clock. It has been demonstrated that a mouse's circadian clock can be reset 1-3 hours earlier by various manipulations: transfer from continuous light to complete darkness (BD light cycle), administration of yohimbine, and administration of methamphetamine. This study looked at whether any commonality exists among these treatments that might result in clock resetting.