Circadian and Ultradian rhythms of Water ingestion in rats

Abstract

ABSTRACT

In order to determine some relations among behavioral patterns associated with water Ingestion and biological rhythms, 15 rats were isolated. Temperature was rept constant while light remained on From 6:00 to 18:00 hours. Each rat had load available at all  ti­mes, and it received water as reinforce in two conditions: RFC and FI 100 seco A micro­ computer controlled the stimuli, registed responses and analyzed data. Circadian oscila­tions were observed in rate of responses, independently From overall responses induced by each schedule; besides cycles 01 responses were observed with ultradian periods around 15 min for both schedules. These results coincide with data gotten with food, which sug­gest circadian and ultradian oscilations in the activity of rats, to be independent of kind of reinforcer.