Daily Oscillation and Photoresponses of Clock Gene,Clock, and Clock‐Associated Gene, Arylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferase Gene Transcriptions in the Rat Pineal Gland

Both the Clock and NAT gene expressions in the rat pineal gland showed robust circadian oscillation (p<0.05) with peaks at nighttime.

• The study examined gene expression patterns under 12-hour light and 12-hour dark cycles and in constant darkness.
• Clock and NAT mRNA levels exhibited significant circadian rhythms, peaking during the subjective night.
• In constant darkness, the amplitudes and peak mRNA levels of Clock and NAT were significantly reduced compared to light conditions (p<0.05).
• The circadian expression patterns of NAT were similar to those of Clock, suggesting a coordinated response to circadian cues.

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