Phenotype of Per1- and Per2- expressing neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of a diurnal rodent (Arvicanthis ansorgei): comparison with a nocturnal species, the rat

Sep 21, 2002Cell and tissue research

Characteristics of Two Types of Daily Rhythm Neurons in the Brain’s Timekeeping Center of a Day-Active Rodent Compared to a Night-Active Rat

AI simplified

Abstract

Expression of clock genes Per1 and Per2 is mostly restricted to the dorsomedial part of the suprachiasmatic nuclei in both diurnal and nocturnal rodents.

  • The study identifies the phenotype of neurons expressing Per1 and Per2 during the day in both a diurnal species, Arvicanthis ansorgei, and a nocturnal species, the rat.
  • Per1 and Per2 are often coexpressed with arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the dorsomedial part of the suprachiasmatic nuclei.
  • A few vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) neurons also express Per1 and Per2.
  • The expression patterns of Per1 and Per2 are more distinct in the diurnal species compared to the nocturnal species.
  • These findings suggest a significant role for the dorsomedial part of the suprachiasmatic nuclei in maintaining circadian rhythms.

AI simplified

Full Text

what lands in your inbox each week:

  • 📚7 fresh studies
  • 📝plain-language summaries
  • direct links to original studies
  • 🏅top journal indicators
  • 📅weekly delivery
  • 🧘‍♂️always free