Cellular Analysis of Circadian Rhythmicity in Cultured SCN Neutrons
Abstract
Within the mammalian hypothalamus, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) contains a circadian clock for timing of diverse neuronal, endocrine, and behavioral rhythms. We have tested the hypothesis that the circadian period in behavior expressed by the whole animal is determined by the collective period that arises from the coupling of a large population of clock cells with diverse circadian periods. The results clearly show that circadian period in the whole animal is determined by averaging widely dispersed periods of individual clock cells. We have also shown the inhibitory transmitter GABA can phase-shift individual clock cells in culture. A phase-response curve to GABA has been generated for individual clock cells, and we have shown that daily GABA pulses can synchronize clock cells.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 07, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA381522
Entities
People
- Steven M. Reppert
Organizations
- Massachusetts General Hospital