Persistent meal-associated rhythms in SCN-lesioned rats.

An experiment was conducted to determine whether meal-associated rhythms could be demonstrated to persist in SCN-lesioned rats. A previously used paradigm in which periods of deprivation were alternated with ad lib food availability was used. Evidence for persistent wheel-running and drinking rhythms was observed in SCN-lesioned rats. It was concluded that meal-associated rhythms are associated with an endogenous oscillator distinct from the SCN and that it may not entirely subservient to the SCN-based oscillator in intact rats.