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Contrary to other non-photic cues, acute melatonin injection does not induce immediate changes of clock gene mrna expression in the rat suprachiasmatic nuclei
Unlike other signals, a single melatonin dose does not quickly change clock gene activity in the rat's internal clock center
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Abstract
Melatonin injection did not affect the mRNA expression patterns of clock genes during the first circadian night.
- The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) regulate circadian rhythms through complex feedback loops involving clock genes.
- Melatonin significantly altered the expression of Per1, Per3, Bmal1, and AVP during the second subjective night after injection.
- The immediate phase-shifting effect of melatonin on SCN activity may involve post-translational mechanisms rather than changes in gene transcription.
- Light and other factors also influence SCN activity, suggesting multiple pathways for circadian synchronization.
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