Browse Bar: Browse by Author | Browse by Category | Browse by Citation | Advanced Search
Author(s): Carpenter, G.A. | Grossberg, S. |
Year: 1984
Citation: American Journal of Physiology (Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology), 247
Abstract: A neural model of the suprachiasmatic nuclei suggests how behavioral activity, rest, and circadian period depend on light intensity in diurnal and nocturnal mammals. these properties are traced to the action of light input (external zeitgeber) and an activity-mediated fatigue signal (internal zeitgeber) on the circadian pacemaker. Light enhances activity of the diurnal model and suppresses activity of the nocturnal model. Fatigue suppresses activity in both diurnal and nocturnal models. the asymmetrical action of light and fatigue of diurnal vs. nocturnal models explains the more consistent adherence of nocturnal mammals to Aschoffs rule, the consistence adherence of both diurnal and nocturnal mammals to the circadian rule, and the tendency of nocturnal mammals to lose circadian rhythmicity at lower light levels than diurnal mammals. The fatigue signal is related to the sleep process S of Borbely (Hum. Neurobiol. 1: 195-204, 1982.) and contributes to the stability of circadian period. Two predictions follow: diurnal mammals obey Aschoffs rule less consistently during a self-selected light-dark cycle than in constant light, and if light level is increased enough during sleep in diurnal mammals to compensate for eye closure, then Aschoffs rule will hold more consistently. The results are compared with those of Enrights model.
Topics:
Biological Learning,
Models:
Other,
Some normal and abnormal behavioral syndromes due to transmitter gating of opponent processes
Opponent processes have long been known to be a basic building block of neural circuits. This article describes properties of opponent processes in which phasic cues and tonic arousal are gated by slowly accumulating ... Article Details
A neural theory of circadian rhythms: Split rhythms, after effects, and motivational interactions
A neural theory of the circadian pacemaker within the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) is used to explain parametric data about mammalian operant behavior. The intensity, duration, and patterning of ultradian ... Article Details
A neural theory of circadian rhythms: The gated pacemaker
This article describes a behaviorally, physiologically, and anatomically predictive model of how circadian rhythms are generated by each suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the mammalian hypothalamus. This gated pacemaker model ... Article Details