Role of the adrenal gland's internal clock in daily hormone rhythms

Glucocorticoid (GC) levels exhibit a robust circadian rhythm influenced by both central and peripheral clocks.

• The central clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) traditionally governs daily GC rhythms.
• Recent findings suggest that the adrenal peripheral clock also plays a significant role in regulating GC levels.
• GC functions as a signal that can reset peripheral clocks, indicating its importance in synchronizing circadian physiology.
• The interplay between central and peripheral clocks may enhance the understanding of overall circadian behavior.

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