Video Analysis of Hamster Behavior During Circadian Clock Resetting.

Abstract

Previous studies have indicated that wheel running behavior is not an exclusive predictor of circadian clock phase shifting (Mistlberger et al., 2003). What is the animal doing if it is not running in the wheel? Since behaviors other than wheel running are difficult to record, direct observation is necessary. Pilot studies showed that direct observation while in the room with the animals influences their behavior and thus could not be used to correlate behavior with clock resetting. This study used infrared-sensitive video cameras to remotely view animals, thus circumventing this problem.