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Behavioral
Rhythms of the Rat's Estrous Cycle |
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The rat’s estrous cycle is
comprised of four phases (diestrus 1, diestrus 2, proestrus, and estrus) that
are easily characterized by daily changes in the appearance of vaginal
cytology samples. Estradiol secretion peaks during the afternoon of proestrus
and then rapidly falls during the dark period of estrus. During estrus, food
intake and water intake are decreased while locomotor activity and sexual
receptivity are increased. These effects are summarized in the following
diagram. |
