Influence of seasons on circadian rhythm of acid phosphatase and beta-acetyl-glucosaminidase activity in the mouse salivary gland and liver.

Influence of seasons on circadian changes in acid phosphatase and beta-acetylglucosaminidase activity was studied in the liver and submandibular gland of sexually mature mice. Seasonal differences in circadian rhythm was found in both examined enzymes in both organs. These changes were independent from each other and each rhythm was differently subjected to seasonal changes. The lowest seasonal influence was observed in acid phosphatase in the salivary gland. Activity of the other enzymes changed in different degrees, having their acrophases at different times of the day and different rhythm intensity. The highest circadian activity changes measured by amplitude and mesor were observed in spring and summer whereas in the autumn and winter their activity had much weaker rhythms or even they disappeared completely. An attempt was made to explain the observed changes by changes in hormonal background and a certain kind of genetic memory pertaining to laboratory animals.