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Ontogenesis of photoperiodic entrainment of the molecular core clockwork in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus
Development of how the rat’s internal clock in the brain adjusts to day length
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Abstract
The photoperiod influences the rhythmic expression of clock genes in 10- and 20-day-old rat pups but not in 3-day-old pups.
- The expression profiles of clock genes Per1 and Per2 were modulated by photoperiod in 10- and 20-day-old rat pups.
- Cry1 expression changes were observed only in 20-day-old pups, indicating a developmental progression in photoperiod sensitivity.
- Bmal1 expression was unaffected by photoperiod even in the oldest pups studied.
- No effects of photoperiod on clock gene expression were found in 3-day-old pups.
- Partial entrainment of the core clock mechanism occurs in 10-day-old pups, while 20-day-old pups show more mature, yet incomplete, entrainment.
- Complete entrainment by photoperiod may begin around the time of weaning.
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