Circadiane Rhythm of Cell Proliferation in Rat Liver: Synchronization by Feeding Habits

Abstract

A diurnal rhythm of cell proliferation exists in the liver of young rodents and in the growing liver of rats treated with α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH). The timing of the rhythm is dependent on the time of feeding but independent from the lighting regimen. This suggests that under natural circumstances the light-dark rhythm synchronizes the rhythm of hepatocyte proliferation by con­ trolling the animals' feeding habits.