Insects as novel models for research in chronobiology.

A need exists for novel models for chronopharmacological research. Insects could serve in this capacity since they are relatively inexpensive, short-lived and acceptable to the public. With the cooperation of Franz Halberg, tests which demonstrated that this was feasible were undertaken over an about 10 year span. Specifically, life span was shown to be different in different photoperiodic regimens for the codling moth and the face fly. Evidence was also found for a circaseptan rhythm as well as an about 3-day rhythm in the response to the photoperiodic shifts. These results are consistent with those reported by F. Halberg and others in mammals and a unicellular plant. The finding, in collaboration with F. Halberg and others, of a rhythm in melatonin in the heads of face flies suggests that biochemical as well as behavioural analogies between insects and other animals can be drawn when insects are used as models for research in chronopharmacology.