Changes in locomotor rhythms of Mus musculus as a response to combinations of lighting and
feeding cues were quantitatively assessed in this study. Time allowed for feeding was varied (3, 5,
and 7 hours) to examine effect of different zeitgeber strengths on locomotor pattens. The effect
of temporal light/dark cue removal on locomotor rhythms was examined in conjunction with restricted
feeding regimes. The potential to use blood glucose levels as a temporal feeding cue was
examined by comparing the locomotor rhythms of mice consuming either a high glucose or high
starch diet. Blood glucose curves for animals under restricted feeding regimes of 1 and 5 hour
lengths were determined for the two diets.
Most of the locomotor activity records from animals in total darkness and a restricted feeding
regime contained rhythm splitting. Only the anticipatory component of locomotor activity was
synchronized by the 7 hour and 5 hour restricted feeding regimes in total darkness. Mice on a 3
hour restriction regime also exhibited a free run component in locomotor activity. The two experimental
diets did not produce statistical differences in plasma glucose concentrations when animals
were placed on a 5 hour restricted feeding regime in total darkness, but did when they were placed
in a light/dark l2:l2 lighting cycle with a 1 hour feeding regime. The locomotor records indicated
that freerunning locomotor components were synchronized only by light/dark transitions, while the
anticipatory component was synchronized by food presentation. The results of this study are
consistent with a Two—Oscillator Model for control of activity rhythms.
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