Melatonin alleviates circadian system disruption induced by chronic shifts of the light-dark cycle in Octodon degus.

ABSTRACT: Modern 24-h society lifestyle is associated with experiencing frequent shifts in the lighting conditions which can negatively impact human health. Here, we use the degus, a species exhibiting diurnal and nocturnal chronotypes, to: (a) assess the impact of chronic shifts of the light:dark (LD) cycle in the animal's physiology and behaviour and (b) test the therapeutic potential of melatonin in enhancing rhythmicity under these conditions. Degus were subjected to a "5d + 2d" LD-shifting schedule for 19 weeks. This protocol aims to mimic lighting conditions experienced by humans during shift work: LD cycle was weekly delayed by 8h during 5 "working" days (Morning, Afternoon and Night schedule); during weekends (2 days), animals were kept under Morning schedule. After 9 weeks, melatonin was pr

SUBMITTER: Bano-Otalora B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6916290 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature