Citation
Circadian rhythms in drinking behavior and locomotor activity of rats are eliminated by hypothalamic lesions
TL;DR
SCN lesions eliminate circadian drinking and activity rhythms
Published simultaneously with Moore & Eichler's work, this study independently confirmed that SCN lesions eliminate circadian rhythms. Stephan and Zucker showed that drinking behavior and locomotor activity lost all circadian organization after SCN destruction.
The convergence of two independent research teams on the same finding provided strong evidence that the SCN is the master circadian pacemaker, a conclusion later confirmed by the Ralph et al. transplant studies.
Key Findings from Stephan & Zucker (1972)
- SCN lesions eliminate circadian drinking and activity rhythms
- Rhythms become random/sporadic without SCN
- Independent confirmation of SCN as circadian center