Activity Rhythm in Peromyscus: Its Influence on
Rates of Recovery from Nembutal

Emlen, S.T. & Kem, W. 1963. Science, 145:1682-1683.

Injection of sublethal does of Nembutal (sodium pentobarbital) into deer mice, Peromyscus maniculatus rufinus (Merriam), at different times in their daily activity cycle revealed large differences in rates of recovery. By taking the phase of the circadian rhythm into account, the accuracy obtained in pharmaceutical and physiological bioassays could be increased.