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The opioid fentanyl affects light input, electrical activity and Per gene expression in the hamster suprachiasmatic nuclei
Fentanyl changes light signals, brain activity, and clock gene expression in the hamster’s daily rhythm center
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Abstract
Fentanyl induces phase shifts in circadian rhythms in hamsters, which are blocked by naloxone.
- Opioid receptors are identified as the sole mediators of fentanyl's effects on the circadian timing system.
- Fentanyl and light can completely block each other's phase shifts of behavioral activity rhythms.
- SCN cells show direct responses to fentanyl with a suppression of their firing rate.
- Fentanyl significantly reduces light-induced expression of the shPer1 gene during the night.
- No evidence was found for the involvement of shPer1 in mediating fentanyl-induced phase shifts during the subjective day.
- The findings suggest opioids may alter the circadian pacemaker's response to light through direct effects on SCN activity.
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