Effect of prolonged fasting and subsequent refeeding on free-running rhythms of temperature and locomotor activity in rats

This study investigated the possible effect(s) of prolonged fasting and subsequent ad lib refeeding on the circadian organization of rats kept in constant darkness. Free-running rhythms of wheel-running activity and body temperature were studied in rats fasted during a 7-day interval followed with ad lib refeeding started either at subjective midday, i.e., CT6 (circadian time 6) or subjective midnight, i.e., CT18. Phase-shifts of temperature acrophases were similar to those of activity acrophases. During fasting, phase-shifts were phase-advanced (1 circadian h on the average) in most cases. During refeeding, they were mostly phase-delays (2 circadian h on the average) independently of the circadian time of refeeding, i.e., ad lib refeeding did not act as a Zeitgeber. In conclusion, prolonged fasting and subsequent refeeding induce opposite effects on the circadian organization.