TRANSPLANTATION OF FETAL SCN INTO THE BRAIN OF NON SCN-LESIONED RATS

Transplantation of foetal SCN tissue into the brain of arrhythmic SCN- lesioned rats and hamsters has shown to be effective in restoring circ adian rhythms. Transplantation of the SCN into normal untreated rats h as not been described so far as function is concerned. In rats certain demands have to be met for successful grafting of the SCN. Location, age and method of transplantation play an important role in the surviv al and function of the graft. This paper describes a method for SCN tr ansplantation in normal rats. Results show transplant survival in 95% and successful grafting of SCN tissue in 85% of the treated rats as sh own by VP and VIP staining. Disturbed circadian eating, drinking and a ctivity rhythms are noted when grafts are located very near the endoge nous SCN. Rhythms of wheel running and body temperature were less affe cted. The method described seems therefore well suited to do further r esearch with circadian rhythms.