Daily and seasonal variations in Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ contents in the cingulate cortex of the mouse brain.

Daily changes in Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ contents in the cingulate cortex of mice housed under controlled light/dark (LD) conditions were investigated for a 24-hour period in spring, summer, autumn and winter. The total ion content in the mineralized tissue was evaluated by absorption/emission flame spectrophotometry. In nearly all the tested cation contents significant daily concentration changes were found with a maximum in the dark phase of the LD cycle. The differences in wave form and mean cingulate cortex ion contents throughout the year suggest that the rhythms undergo seasonal variations. The functional importance of daily and anual fluctuations in the brain cation concentrations has been discussed.