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GABAergic projections from the suprachiasmatic nucleus to the preoptic area regulate the timing of torpor in mice
Inhibitory signals from the brain's internal clock to sleep-control areas help time torpor in mice
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Abstract
Inhibitory neurotransmission via gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central circadian clock is crucial for encoding the timing of torpor induction in female mice.
- Torpor is a state of reduced metabolism and body temperature that helps animals survive harsh conditions.
- Optogenetic activation of GABAergic neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) suppresses torpor in mice.
- SCN neurons connect to two types of preoptic area (POA) neurons: excitatory neurons that promote torpor and inhibitory neurons that suppress excitatory activity.
- Disconnection of SCN neural output abolishes the timing of torpor.
- Selective deletion of vesicular GABA transporter in arginine vasopressin (Avp) neurons of the SCN impairs torpor induction.
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