Vasopressin’s role in daily rhythms and body clock circuits varies by sex

Loss of vasopressin signaling increases behavioral period and plasticity in a novel AVP-deficient mouse model.

• Absence of arginine vasopressin (AVP) is associated with increased water consumption and faster recovery from simulated jetlag.
• Loss of AVP signaling results in longer, less precise, and more adaptable behavioral rhythms in constant darkness.
• The impact of AVP deficiency on circadian period varies by sex, lengthening periods in females but not in males.
• Direct observation of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) shows that AVP deficiency alters the period, precision, and phase relationships of SCN neurons.
• These findings suggest potential sex differences in how AVP affects circadian regulation.

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