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Circadian Organization Oftau Mutant Hamsters: Aftereffects And Splitting, Eric L. Bittman, M. K. Costello, J. M. Brewer

Eric L. Bittman

Homozygous tau mutant (τss) hamsters show an extremely short (20 h) circadian period (τ) that is attributable to altered enzymatic activity of casein kinase 1ε. It has been proposed that coupling of constituent circadian oscillators is strengthened in τss hamsters, explaining their tendency to show strong resetting after prolonged exposure to constant darkness. To evaluate further the circadian organization of τss hamsters, the authors assessed the extent of shortening of period as an aftereffect of exposure to light:dark cycles whose period (T) is 91% of τ and the ability of constant light to induce splitting. They find that τss hamsters …