Developmental effects of constant light on circadian behaviour and gene expressions in zebra finches: Insights into mechanisms of metabolic adaptation to aperiodic environment in diurnal animals

Aug 25, 2020Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology

Constant light’s effects on daily activity and gene patterns in zebra finches: clues to how day-active animals adjust metabolism to irregular environments

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Abstract

Under constant light conditions, 80% of zebra finches displayed rhythmic activity despite disrupted clock gene expression.

  • Zebra finches raised in constant light gained weight and accumulated fat in the liver.
  • Normal body mass and 24-hour rhythms in activity and mRNA expression were observed in birds under a typical light-dark cycle.
  • Clock gene expression was disrupted in the hypothalamus of birds under constant light, affecting genes related to light perception and circadian rhythms.
  • In peripheral tissues, 24-hour rhythms for some clock genes were maintained, while others were abolished under constant light conditions.
  • Nutrient absorption and biosynthesis gene expressions were altered, with some genes showing arrhythmic behavior under constant light.

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