Analysis of multi-oscillator structure of biological clock

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Oscillating neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the center of biological clock, constructs more than one regional pacemakers of different characteristics through mutual synchronization. The roles of regional pacemakers depend on the area of SCN, and their interaction determines the length of activity period, showing seasonal changes in behavioral rhythms. The function of biological clock is disrupted by restricted daily feeding or methamphetamine treatment, which is supposed to be due to desynchronization between the central and peripheral clocks. The peripheral clock(s) regulating behavioral rhythms is suggested to reside in the midbrain.