Circadian hormone rhythms in lipid regulation

Abstract

Many of the significant events that occur in the life of an animal are regulated by hormones. Because lipids are the principal energy reserve, it is axiomatic that the regulation of fat synthesis and mobilization would be closely interrelated with the regulation of physiological and behavioral events. The circadian rhythms of prolactin and the corticosteroid hormones have important roles in regulating daily and seasonal changes in body fat stores and in organizing the total animal so that metabolism, reproduction, and behavior are fully integrated. © 1976 by the American Society of Zoologists.