Vasopressin receptor V1a regulates circadian rhythms of locomotor activity and expression of clock-controlled genes in the suprachiasmatic nuclei.

ABSTRACT: The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) serve as the principal circadian pacemakers that coordinate daily cycles of behavior and physiology for mammals. A network of transcriptional and translational feedback loops underlies the operating molecular mechanism for circadian oscillation within the SCN neurons. It remains unclear how timing information is transmitted from SCN neurons to eventually evoke circadian rhythms. Intercellular communication between the SCN and its target neurons is critical for the generation of coherent circadian rhythms. At the molecular level, neuropeptides encoded by clock-controlled genes have been indicated as important output mediators. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is the product of one such clock-controlled gene. Previous studies have demonstrated a circadian rhythm of

SUBMITTER: Li JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2665843 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature