Citation
Loss of a circadian adrenal corticosterone rhythm following suprachiasmatic lesions in the rat
TL;DR
SCN lesions eliminate circadian corticosterone rhythm
One of two independent 1972 studies that first identified the suprachiasmatic nucleus as essential for circadian rhythms. Moore and Eichler showed that destroying the SCN eliminated the circadian rhythm of corticosterone (the rat equivalent of cortisol) release.
This foundational work established that circadian rhythms require an intact SCN, setting the stage for decades of research into biological clocks and their role in health and performance.
Key Findings from Moore & Eichler (1972)
- SCN lesions eliminate circadian corticosterone rhythm
- SCN is necessary for adrenal hormone cycling
- Circadian timing depends on hypothalamic structures