A role for cardiotrophin-like cytokine in the circadian control of mammalian locomotor activity

Cardiotrophin-like cytokine (CLC) is expressed in a subpopulation of SCN vasopressin neurons with a circadian rhythm that peaks during the daily period of locomotor quiescence.

• CLC is associated with the regulation of locomotor activity in mice.
• Acute infusion of CLC into the third ventricle transiently blocks locomotor activity without altering the circadian clock.
• Infusion of neutralizing antibodies to the CLC receptor leads to increased locomotor activity during the time when CLC is maximally expressed.
• These findings suggest that CLC may serve as an output signal from the suprachiasmatic nucleus that influences daily behavioral rhythms.

AI simplified