Neuroprotective Effect of Etomidate in the Central Nervous System of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

It is well known that hyperglycaemia due to diabetes mellitus leads to oxidative stress in the central nervous system. Oxidative stress plays important role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative changes. In the present study we investigated the possible neuroprotective effect of etomidate against streptozotocin-induced (STZ-induced) hyperglycaemia in the rat brain and spinal cord. A total of 40 rats were used in this study. Rats were divided into four groups: sham-control, diabetic, diabetic-etomidate treated and vehicle for etomidate treatment group. Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg body weight). Three days after streptoztocin injection, etomidate (2 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally for etomidate group and lipid emulsion (10%) for vehicle group was injected with corresponding amount intraperitoneally every day for 6 weeks. Six weeks after streptozotocin injection, seven rats from each group were killed and brain, brain stem and cervical spinal cord were removed. The hippocampus, cortex, cerebellum, brain stem and spinal cord were dissected for the biochemical analysis (the level of malondialdehyde [MDA], total nitrite, reduced glutathione [GSH], and xanthine oxidase [XO] activity). STZ-induced diabetes resulted in significantly elevation of MDA, XO and nitrite levels in the hippocampus, cortex, cerebellum, brain stem and spinal cord of the rats (P < 0.05) while etomidate treatment provided significantly lower values (P < 0.05). This study demonstrated that etomidate have neuroprotective effect on the neuronal tissue against the diabetic oxidative damage.     

Effects of Insulin and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes on Brain Norepinephrine Metabolism in Rats

Administration of insulin (2 IU/kg, i.p.) produced a significant decrease (18%) in forebrain norepinephrine and a significant increase in the major metabolite of norepinephrine, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol-sulfate (MOPEG-SO4, +19%) in rats. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes produced the opposite effects, resulting in an increase in forebrain norepinephrine (+17%) and a decrease in MOPEG-SO4 (-26%). In addition, insulin increased (+143%) and diabetes decreased (-41%) the turnover rate of norepinephrine, as measured by the rate of decrease of norepinephrine following inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase by alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine. All of these effects in diabetic rats were reversed by insulin replacement therapy. These data are discussed within the context of mood disorders characteristic of diabetic patients.     

Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Reduces Brain Serotonin Synthesis in Rats

The rate of brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) synthesis and turnover in streptozotocin-diabetic rats was assessed using three separate methods: the rate of 5-hydroxytryptophan accumulation following decarboxylase inhibition with Ro 4-4602; the decline in 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels following monoamine oxidase inhibition with pargyline; and the rate of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid accumulation following blockade of acid transport with probenecid. Each of the three methods revealed that 5-hydroxytryptamine synthesis and turnover is decreased by 44-71% in diabetic rats with plasma glucose levels of between 500 and 600 mg%. In addition, the levels of free and bound plasma tryptophan were measured and the levels of the free amino acid were found to be the same in control and diabetic rats. Since diabetic rats exhibit a 40% decrease in brain tryptophan, the free tryptophan level in plasma does not predict brain tryptophan levels in diabetic rats. These data are discussed within the context of psychiatric disturbances experienced by diabetic patients.     

Sodium Tungstate Attenuate Oxidative Stress in Brain Tissue of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

High blood glucose concentration in diabetes induces free radical production and, thus, causes oxidative stress. Damage of cellular structures by free radicals play an important role in development of diabetic complications. In this study, we evaluated effects of sodium tungstate on enzymatic and nonenzymatic markers of oxidative stress in brain of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Rats were divided into four groups (ten rats in each group): untreated control, sodium tungstate-treated control, untreated diabetic, and sodium tungstate-treated diabetic. Diabetes was induced with an intraperitoneal STZ injection (65 mg/kg body weight), and sodium tungstate with concentration of 2 g/L was added to drinking water of treated animals for 4 weeks. Diabetes caused a significant increase in the brain thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (P < 0.01) and protein carbonyl levels (P < 0.01) and a decrease in ferric reducing antioxidant power (P < 0.01). Moreover, diabetic rats presented a reduction in brain glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (21%), superoxide dismutase (41%), glutathione peroxidase (19%), and glutathione reductase (36%) activities. Sodium tungstate reduced the hyperglycemia and restored the diabetes-induced changes in all mentioned markers of oxidative stress. However, catalase activity was not significantly affected by diabetes (P = 0.4), while sodium tungstate caused a significant increase in enzyme activity of treated animals (P < 0.05). Data of present study indicated that sodium tungstate can ameliorate brain oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic rats, probably by reducing of the high glucose-induced oxidative stress and/or increasing of the antioxidant defense mechanisms.     

Hypothalamic Catecholamine Metabolism in Diabetic Rats: The Effect of Insulin Deficiency and Meal Ingestion

The effect of moderate insulin deficiency of 2 weeks in duration on hypothalamic catecholamine metabolism in food-deprived and meal-fed rats was evaluated. Hypothalamic tyrosine content in food-deprived (from 0700 to 1600 h), diabetic rats was normal. Also normal were the rates of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine accumulation following aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibition, norepinephrine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine (dopamine) clearance after tyrosine hydroxylase inhibition, and intraneuronal amine accumulation following monoamine oxidase inhibition. Differences in hypothalamic amine metabolism were apparent, however, when diabetic and normal rats were fed 2-g meals. The 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol sulfate accumulation rate was depressed in diabetic rats by the carbohydrate meal but was stimulated by the tyrosine-supplemented protein meal. In contrast, the tyrosine-supplemented diet had no effect on 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid accumulation in diabetic animals, whereas the production rate in normal rats was increased. We conclude that normal responses occurring in hypothalamic catecholamine metabolism after the consumption of a meal are modified by the presence of diabetes.     

Antihyperlipidemic Effect of Fisetin,a Bioflavonoid of Strawberries,Studied in Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Rats

Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes is associated with profound changes in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, with resultant alterations in particle distribution within lipoprotein classes. In the present study, an attempt has been made to explore the antihyperlipidemic effect of fisetin in streptozotocin‐induced experimental diabetes in rats. Upon fisetin treatment to diabetic rats, the levels of blood glucose were significantly reduced with an improvement in plasma insulin. The increased levels of lipid contents in serum, hepatic, and renal tissues observed in diabetic rats were normalized upon fisetin administration. Also, the decreased levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and increased levels of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and very LDL (VLDL) cholesterol in serum of diabetic rats were normalized. Oil Red O staining established a large number of intracellular lipid droplets accumulation in the diabetic rats. Fisetin treatment exacerbated the degree of lipid accumulation. The results of the present study exemplify the antihyperlipidemic property of the fisetin.     

格列本脲在糖尿病大鼠体内药动学评价

目的从格列本脲的药动学考察链脲佐菌素诱导糖尿病模型大鼠的适宜性。方法腹腔注射链脲佐菌素60 mg/kg诱发糖尿病大鼠模型,与正常大鼠灌胃给予10 mg/kg格列本脲,采用高效液相色谱法分析其血药浓度。用DAS 2.0软件处理数据,计算药动学参数。结果格列本脲在正常大鼠和模型大鼠体内的药动学参数为：Tmax分别是84.784 min,255.427 min;Cmax分别是0.259 mg/L,0.910 mg/L;CL分别是0.092 L/min/kg,0.019 L/min/kg;AUC（0～720min）分别是509.523 mg/L.min,1528.280 mg/L.min。结论格列本脲在正常大鼠与糖尿病大鼠体内的药动学过程有显著性差异,但此结果与文献不一致,此模型可能不适合考察药物在II型糖尿病病态下的药动学研究。     

Molecular target structures in alloxan-induced diabetes in mice

Type 1 diabetes results from irreversible damage of insulin-producing beta-cells. In laboratory animals, diabetes can be induced with alloxan (ALX), a 2,4,5,6-tetraoxopyrimidine. ALX is a potent generator of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can mediate beta-cell toxicity. However, the initial lesions on essential beta-cell structures are not known. In this study, we report that the glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) and glucokinase (GK) are target molecules for ALX. Ex vivo, a gradual decrement of both GLUT2 and GK mRNA expression was found in islets isolated from ALX-treated C57BL/6 mice. This reduction was more pronounced for GLUT2 than for GK. The mRNA expression of beta-actin was also slightly affected with time after ALX exposure, the proinsulin mRNA, however, remained unaffected as well as the pancreatic total insulin content. Pretreatment with D-glucose (D-G) protected the mRNA expression of GLUT2 and GK against ALX toxicity and prevented diabetes. Yet, in these euglycemic mice, an impaired oral glucose tolerance persisted. Pretreatment with 5-thio-D-glucose (5-T-G) failed to prevent ALX diabetes, administration of zinc sulfate (Zn(2+))-enriched drinking water, however, reduced ALX-induced hyperglycemia. In conclusion, ALX exerted differential toxicity on beta-cell structures similar to in vitro results reported from this laboratory. Furthermore, the present results differ from those reported for the diabetogen streptozotocin (STZ). Injections of multiple low doses (MLD) of STZ reduced GLUT2 expression only, but failed to affect expression of GK and proinsulin as well as beta-actin as internal control. MLD-STZ diabetes was prevented by pretreatment with both D-G and 5-T-G and administration of Zn(2+)-enriched drinking water. Apparently, ALX and MLD-STZ exert diabetogenicity by different pathways requiring different interventional schedules for prevention.     

WTC rat has unique characteristics such as resistant to streptozotocin

Because we found that WTC rats might be resistant to streptozotocin (STZ), we have elucidated the mechanisms of resistant to the diabetogenic effects of STZ in the WTC rats. Dose response to STZ was evaluated with glucose levels. No significant changes in glucose level to STZ administration were observed in WTC rats. Insulin secretion by suppling glucose was preserved in WTC rats even after STZ administration. Although there was no significant difference in gene expression of both GLUT2 and Kir6.2, which were involved in STZ resistance, between WTC rats and Wistar rats, the expression of metallothionein 2a in pancreas and liver to STZ administration of WTC rats was significantly higher than that of Wistar rats. Moreover, alloxan did not induce diabetes in WTC rats as same as STZ. These results suggest that WTC rats might have powerful antioxidant property to protect β cells in pancreas. Because the STZ-resistant property is very close characteristics to human beings, WTC rats will become a useful animal model in diabetic researches.     

Antihyperglycemic Activity of Herb Extracts on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

We investigated the effects of herb extracts, Rhus verniciflua, Agrimonia pilosa, Sophora japonica, and Paeonia suffruticosa, on the lowering of blood glucose levels and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. After 4 weeks, oral administration of Rhus verniciflua extract (50 mg/kg) exhibited a significant decrease in blood glucose levels in diabetic rats (P<0.05). Blood TBARS concentrations, the products of glucose oxidation in blood, were also lowered by Rhus verniciflua extract supplementation. In addition, Sophora japonica and Paeonia suffruticosa extracts significantly reduced TBARS levels versus diabetic controls. Serum concentrations of liver-function marker enzymes, GOT and GPT, were also restored by Rhus verniciflua (50 mg/kg) supplementation in diabetic rats.     

Sodium Tungstate on Some Biochemical Parameters of the Parotid Salivary Gland of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats: A Short-Term Study

Several studies have shown the antidiabetic properties of sodium tungstate. In this study, we evaluated some biochemical parameters of the parotid salivary gland of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats treated with sodium tungstate solution (2 mg/ml). The studied groups were: untreated control (UC), treated control (TC), untreated diabetic (UD), and treated diabetic (TD). After 2 and 6 weeks of treatment, parotid gland was removed and total protein and sialic acid (free and total) concentration and amylase and peroxidase activities were determined. Data were compared by variance analysis and Tukey test (p < 0.05). The sodium tungstate treatment modestly decreased the glycemia of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. At week 2 of the study, parotid gland of diabetic rats presented a reduction of total protein concentration (55%) and an increase of amylase (120%) and peroxidase (160%) activities, free (150%) and total (170%) sialic acid concentration. No alteration in the evaluated parameters at week 6 of the study was observed. Sodium tungstate presented no significant effect in parotid gland. Our results suggest that diabetes causes initial modification in biochemical composition of parotid. However, this gland showed a recovery capacity after 6 week of the experimental time. Sodium tungstate has no effect in peripheral tissues, such as salivary glands.     

金黄地鼠胰岛素抵抗和糖尿病动物模型的建立

目的建立胰岛素抵抗和糖尿病动物模型。方法给金黄地鼠喂以高脂果糖饲料,部分给小剂量链脲菌素(30mg/kg)腹腔注射,以正常金黄地鼠作为对照,测定动物体重、空腹血糖、血脂、胰岛素水平,计算胰岛素敏感指数,并对肝脏、胰腺及主动脉弓组织进行形态学比较。结果金黄地鼠经高脂果糖喂养6周制成胰岛素抵抗、肥胖和脂质代谢紊乱的动物模型。再经小剂量一次性腹腔注射链脲菌素后,约80%的胰岛素抵抗和肥胖的金黄地鼠出现显性糖尿病。结论高脂果糖饲料结合小剂量链脲菌素腹腔注射可以制成胰岛素抵抗的2型糖尿病金黄地鼠模型。     

室旁核注射胰高血糖素样肽-1对不同病程糖尿病大鼠胃排空的影响

目的:研究下丘脑室旁核(paraventricular nucleus,PVN)注射胰高血糖素样肽-1(GLP-1)对糖尿病早期大鼠胃排空的影响,并探讨其相关作用机制.方法:60只清洁级雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为正常对照组(NC组),糖尿病组(DM组),GLP-1干预组(GLP-1组),每组各20只,后两组腹腔注射链脲佐菌素(STZ)制备糖尿病模型,分别于注射STZ2周、6周后每组随机取半数进行实验,实验前于无菌条件下大鼠一侧下丘脑PVN区埋置套管,GLP-1组经套管注入GLP-1,NC组及DM组注入等体积生理盐水.酚红灌胃法检测胃排空率,酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)测定血浆GLP-1浓度,半定量RT-PCR法测定胃窦、胃底GLP-1RmRNA表达.结果:注射STZ2周后,DM组较NC组胃排空率显著升高(P＜0.01).GLP-1组胃排空率低于DM组(P＜0.01),血浆GLP-1浓度高于DM组及NC组(P均＜0.05),胃窦GLP-1RmRNA表达明显高于DM组、NC组(P均＜0.01).注射STZ 6周后,DM组胃排空率高于NC组(P＜0.01).GLP-1组较DM组胃排空率显著降低(P＜0.01),血浆GLP-1浓度、胃窦GLP-1RmRNA表达显著高于DM组、NC组(P均＜0.01).结论:下丘脑PVN区注射GLP-1后,可减慢糖尿病大鼠初期加速的胃排空,原因可能与血浆GLP-1浓度及胃窦GLP-1RmRNA表达增加有关.     

Impact of Acute Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetes on ABC Transporter Expression in Rats

Hepatic ABC efflux transporters control the cellular uptake (in basolateral membranes) and excretion (in apical membranes) of many substrates. Since type‐1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with altered hepatobiliary excretion of many endogenous and exogenous substances, we examined key hepatic ABC transporters and levels of the endogenous substrate glutathione in rats with acute streptozotocin‐induced T1DM. Renal transporters and inflammatory markers were also examined. Abcb1, Abcc1–4, and Abcg2 were measured using qRT‐PCR. Glutathione was measured in liver tissue, plasma, and urine. Inflammatory markers, including C‐reactive protein (CRP), were measured in plasma via ELISA. In diabetic rats, Abcb1a, Abcc2, and Abcg2 (apical) were decreased, while Abcc4 (basolateral) was increased. Abcb1a and Abcc2 inversely correlated with plasma CRP. Diabetic and control rats exhibited similar hepatic glutathione, but levels in diabetic plasma were lower. When standardized to urinary output, diabetic rats excreted 6.7‐fold more glutathione in urine than controls. Renal transporter levels were normal in diabetic rats. Results show apical transporters involved in hepatobiliary excretion are downregulated in T1DM, possibly through an inflammation‐mediated process. Findings suggest that there may be a vectorial shift from hepatic to renal excretion for some substrates in T1DM.     

多肽铬螯合物对糖尿病小鼠肝脏蛋白质表达的影响

目的:研究多肽铬螯合的对糖尿病小鼠肝脏蛋白质表达的影响,探讨其治疗糖尿病的机理.方法:通过腹腔注射四氧嘧啶建立糖尿病小鼠模型.将小鼠分为正常组、模型组和胶铬组,胶铬组以灌胃方式加入多肽铬螯合物;以光镜及HE染色观察三组小鼠肝脏形态及组织学的变化,采用SDS-PAGE实验和非SDS-PAGE检测三组小鼠肝脏蛋白质表达.结果:光镜及组织学观察结果显示多肽铬螫合物可以有效地减轻四氧嘧啶对肝细胞造成的损伤.模型组肝脏25kDa-35kDa之间的某种蛋白表达升高而多肽铬螯舍物可以降低此种蛋白的表达,初步推断这种蛋白质为SOD.结论:多肽铬螯合物能够通过降低四氧嘧啶造成的肝脏中抗氧化有关的蛋白质代偿性升高而祈祷保护肝脏的作用,是一种新型的治疗糖尿病所致的肝损伤的活性物质.     

Effects of Cyclohexanonic Long-Chain Fatty Alcohol, tCFA15 on Amino Acids in Diabetic Rat Brain: A Preliminary Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of streptozotocin-induced type 1diabetes and a subchronic treatment with cyclohexanonic long-chain fatty alcohol, 3-(15-hydroxypentadecyl)-2,4,4-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen 1-one (tCFA15) on contents of amino acids including aspartate, glutamate, glutamine, GABA, glycine, taurine, alanine, serine, threonine, and arginine in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum. Levels of glutamate, threonine, taurine, alanine, arginine, and the ratio of glutamate/glutamine were altered region-differently in the brain of diabetic rats. However, tCFA15 region-specifically antagonized the changes in taurine and arginine levels and the ratio of glutamate/glutamine. The alteration in glutamate/glutamine ratio may indicate that experimental models of type 1 diabetes have abnormalities of neuron-gria interaction in brain.     

Pretreatment Effect of Resveratrol on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rats

This study was planned to investigate the pretreatment effect of resveratrol on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The control group consisted of 10 male albino Sprague–Dawley rats, 10–12 weeks of age, weighing approximately 295 g. The first experimental group consisted of 15 albino Sprague–Dawley rats, 10–12 weeks of age, weighing approximately 305 g. This group was administered streptozotocin (55 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). The second experimental group (n = 15) was administered resveratrol (0.5 ml/day) 10 days before streptozotocin induction. A training period was performed for all groups before the experimental procedure, and systolic arterial blood pressures and heart rates were recorded daily. At the end of the 10th day, blood samples of control and experimental groups were drawn. Total nitrite, nitrite, nitrate, malondialdehyde (MDA), copper, and zinc concentrations in plasma were measured both in control and experimental groups. Additionally, superoxide dismutase, catalase activities, and copper and zinc concentrations in red cell were determined in each group. At the end of the study, increases in catalase activity, nitric oxide level, and zinc concentrations and decreases in lipid peroxidation product MDA and copper concentrations were found in the resveratrol-pretreated diabetic group when compared to the diabetic group. This study was presented at “The 5th International Congress of Pathophysiology (ISP2006)” June 28–July 1, 2006, Beijing, China.     

Effect of Long-Lasting Diabetes Mellitus on Rat and Human Brain Monoamines

Experimental alloxan- or streptozotocin-produced diabetes in rats was accompanied by an increase in the levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, whereas the contents of metabolites, i.e., 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and homovanillic acid, in the whole brain gradually decreased with the duration of diabetes. Among the striatum, thalamus, and hypothalamus of alloxan diabetic rats, monoamine alterations were observed only in the hypothalamus; after 1 week an increase of norepinephrine content and after 13 weeks an increase of norepinephrine and dopamine contents were found. Tissues of 11 brain regions of 10 diabetic and 12 control patients post mortem were investigated for monoamine concentrations. Patients were all male, of similar age and interval between death and autopsy. Diabetic patients had an increase in the content of serotonin in the medial and lateral hypothalamus. The content of dopamine increased in the medial hypothalamus, putamen, and medial and lateral pallidus. In diabetic patients, the content of norepinephrine increased in the lateral pallidus and decreased in the nucleus accumbens and claustrum. Thus, it seems that diabetes mellitus in rats, as well as in humans is associated with regionally specific changes in brain monoamines.     

多肽铬螯合物对糖尿病小鼠肝脏蛋白质表达影响的研究

目的：研究多肽铬螯合物对糖尿病小鼠肝脏蛋白质表达的影响,探讨其治疗糖尿病的机理。方法：通过腹腔注射四氧嘧啶建立糖尿病小鼠模型。将小鼠分为正常组模型组和胶铬组,胶铬组以灌胃方式加入多肽铬螯合物;以光镜及HE染色观察三组小鼠肝脏形态及组织学的变化,采用SDS-PAGE实验和非SDS-PAGE检测三组小鼠肝脏蛋白质表达。结果：光镜及组织学观察结果显示多肽铬螯合物可以有效地减轻四氧嘧啶对肝细胞造成的损伤。模型组肝脏25kDa-35kDa之间的某种蛋白表达升高而多肽铬螯合物可以降低此种蛋白的表达,初步推断这种蛋白质为SOD。结论：多肽铬螯合物能够通过降低四氧嘧啶造成的肝脏中抗氧化有美的蛋白盾代偿性升高而起到保护肝脏的作用．是一种新型的治疗糖尿痛所致的肝损伤的活性物盾。     

Plasma Corticosterone, Motor Activity and Metabolic Circadian Patterns in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Experiments were conducted in male rats to study the effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on circadian rhythms of (a) plasma corticosterone concentrations; (b) motor activity; and (c) metabolic patterns. Animals were entrained to LD cycles of 12: 12 hr and fed ad libitum.

A daily rhythm of plasma corticosterone concentrations was found in controls animals with peak levels at 2400 hr and low values during the remaining hours. This rhythm was statistically confirmed by the cosinor method and had an amplitude of 3.37μg/100 ml and the acrophase at 100 hr. A loss of the normal circadian variation was observed in diabetic animals, with a nadir at the onset of light period and high values throughout the remaining hours; cosinor analysis of these data showed no circadian rhythm, delete and a higher mean level than controls.

As expected, normal rats presented most of their motor activity during the dark period with 80+ of total daily activity; the cosinor method demonstrated a circadian rhythm with an amplitude of 60+ of the mean level and the acrophase at 0852 hr. Both diabetic and control rats showed a similar activity during the light phase, but diabetic animals had less activity than controls during the night and their percentage of total daily activity was similar in both phases of the LD cycle (50+ for each one). With the cosinor method we were able to show the persistence of a circadian rhythm in the motor activity of diabetic rats, but with a mesor and amplitude lower than in controls (amplitude rested at 60+ of the mean level) and its acrophase advanced to 0148 hr.

The metabolic activity pattern of diabetic rats also changed: whereas controls showed a greater metabolic activity during the night (70+ food; 82+ water; 54+ urine; 67+ faeces), diabetics did not show differences between both phases of the LD cycle. Water ingested and urine excreted by the diabetic group were higher than normal during light and dark periods; food consumed and faeces excreted were higher than controls only in the light phase.

These data suggest that alterations in circadian rhythms of plasma corticosterone and motor activity are consecutive to the loss of the feeding circadian pattern, due to polyphagia and polydipsia showed by these animals, which need to extend intakes during the light and dark phases.