Aging affects GABAergic function and calcium homeostasis in the mammalian central clock

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Aging impairs the function of the central circadian clock in mammals, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), leading to a reduction in the output signal. The weaker timing signal from the SCN results in a decline in rhythm strength in many physiological functions, including sleep–wake patterns. Accumulating evidence suggests that the reduced amplitude of the SCN signal is caused by a decreased synchrony among the SCN neurons. The present study was aimed to investigate the hypothesis that the excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance plays a role in synchronization within the network.

Methods

Using calcium (Ca2+) imaging, the polarity of Ca2+ transients in response to GABA stimulation in SCN slices of old mice (20–24 months) and young controls was studied.

Results</

SUBMITTER:  

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10229097 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature