| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1929069 | Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications | 2012 | 7 Pages |
The dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMH) has been proposed as a candidate for the neural substrate of a food-entrainable oscillator. The existence of a food-entrainable oscillator in the mammalian nervous system was inferred previously from restricted feeding-induced behavioral rhythmicity in rodents with suprachiasmatic nucleus lesions. In the present study, we have characterized the circadian rhythmicity of behavior in Wfs1-deficient mice during ad libitum and restricted feeding. Based on the expression of Wfs1 protein in the DMH it was hypothesized that Wfs1-deficient mice will display reduced or otherwise altered food anticipatory activity. Wfs1 immunoreactivity in DMH was found almost exclusively in the compact part. Restricted feeding induced c-Fos immunoreactivity primarily in the ventral and lateral aspects of DMH and it was similar in both genotypes. Wfs1-deficiency resulted in significantly lower body weight and reduced wheel-running activity. Circadian rhythmicity of behavior was normal in Wfs1-deficient mice under ad libitum feeding apart from elongated free-running period in constant light. The amount of food anticipatory activity induced by restricted feeding was not significantly different between the genotypes. Present results indicate that the effects of Wfs1-deficiency on behavioral rhythmicity are subtle suggesting that Wfs1 is not a major player in the neural networks responsible for circadian rhythmicity of behavior.
► Wfs1 immunoreactivity in DMH is almost exclusively found in the compact part. ► Low colocalization of Wfs1 and c-Fos in DMH during restricted feeding. ► Wfs1-deficiency results in lower body weight and reduced wheel-running activity. ► Circadian rhythmicity of behavior is mostly normal in Wfs1-deficient mice. ► FAA is normal in Wfs1-deficient mice.
