Glucocorticoids reset circadian clock in choroid plexus via period genes

The choroid plexus in the 4th ventricle exhibits a robust clock gene expression rhythm that is significantly affected by glucocorticoids.

• Choroid plexus cells function as cellular oscillators that synchronize to produce rhythmic clock gene expression.
• Surgical removal of adrenal glands dampens rhythmicity of clock genes Per1, Per2, Nr1d1, and Bmal1 in the choroid plexus.
• Administration of dexamethasone enhances clock gene rhythmicity and can reset the clock phase in the choroid plexus.
• The effects of dexamethasone on the clock include acute activation of Per1 expression and alterations in PER2 protein turnover.
• The glucocorticoid rhythm may help fine-tune the brain environment in accordance with the time of day.

AI simplified