Effect of RbCl on the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity in the cockroachLeucophaea maderae

Abstract

The period length of the running wheel activity rhythm of cockroaches (Leucophaea maderae), which is lengthened by Li + , was found to be shortened by 0.7% by administering 50 mM RbCl in the drinking water. Replacing the Rb + solution by H 2 O for four weeks did not bring the period length back to the control value. This is probably due to the long biological half life of Rb + in the cells. The phenomenon is another instance in which the effect of Rb + is opposite to that of Li + .

Effects of Li+, Rb+and tetraethylammoniumchloride on the locomotor activity rhythm ofMusca domestica

“…This might be caused by a slow uptake of Rb + or a slower transport to the place of action. Similar observations have been made by Engelmann and Casper (1984), where the effect of Rb + was only visible after a few days of application.…”

“…There was a general tendency to resume the previous period length, but the concomitant obscuring of the activity pattern complicated the analysis. Engelmann and Casper (1984) did not find a significant change of r after replacing the Rb + solution by water in cockroaches and explained this with the long biological retention time as has been described by Meltzer et al (1969) in Rhesus monkeys and by Fieve and Meltzer (1978) in humans.…”

“…An increase in the amount of activity after Rb + application has been observed in jellyfish (Hoffmann and Smith 1979), Rhesus monkeys (Meltzer et al 1969), rats (Johnson 1972, Chow andCormish 1979), and cockroaches (Engelmann and Casper 1984). This was found in Musca domestica in only 4 cases.…”

“…In the literature, a period shortening of the running wheel activity of Leucophaea maderae has been reported (Engelmann and Casper 1984)as well as a period lengthening in Drosophila (Mack 1980). The effect of Rb + on the K + uptake rhythm of Lemna gibba G3 depends on the flux rate of light and on temperature (Kondo 1984).…”

Effects of Tetraethylammoniumchloride (TEA), Vanadate, and Alkali Ions on the Lateral Leaflet Movement Rhythm of Desmodium motorium (Houtt.) Merr

“…9 lengthening effects were also reported for Cs+ and Rb+ (21)(22)(23). In the case of Rb+-and, in a few cases, with Li+-treatments, period-shortening effects were also reported (23,24).…”