Circadian rhythms of hedonic drinking behavior in mice

Mice exhibited a daily and circadian rhythm in the intake and preference for a sweet caloric solution, with increased consumption at night.

• Circadian rhythms of feeding behavior may exist, as indicated by distinct patterns of sucrose intake and preference.
• The intake and preference for sucrose were higher during the night compared to the day.
• Changes in the expression of the clock gene Per2 were observed in the SCN, cortex, and striatum of mice consuming sucrose.
• The daily rhythms of sucrose intake and preference were disrupted in mice lacking functional Per genes.
• These findings suggest that brain circadian clocks and Per gene expression may play a role in regulating hedonic feeding behaviors.

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