Different Disruptions of Body Clock Affect Movement, Anxiety, and Compulsive Behaviors Differently in Male and Female Rats, with a Key Role for GSK-3β in Females

Circadian rhythm disruptions significantly increased anxiety-like behavior and marble burying in both male and female rats.

• Locomotion, rearing, and sniffing were enhanced in some groups of both sexes after circadian rhythm disruptions.
• Male rats exhibited changes in activity primarily due to constant light or mixed light protocols, while constant darkness did not have the same effect.
• Anxiety-like behavior was elevated across most groups, with the exception of 1WD female rats.
• Marble burying behavior increased in nearly all groups except for 1WD and 2WD in males.
• GSK-3β levels rose in all constant light and mixed protocols in males, and in all groups in females.
• A significant correlation between GSK-3β levels and behavioral changes was observed only in female rats.

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