Stress affects expression of the clock gene Bmal1 in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of neonatal rats via glucocorticoid‐dependent mechanism

Dec 22, 2017Acta physiologica (Oxford, England)

Stress changes daily clock gene activity in newborn rats' brain control center through stress hormone effects

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Abstract

Glucocorticoid receptors were detected at both mRNA and protein levels in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of 4-day-old rat pups.

  • Maternal exposure to stressful stimuli elevated plasma glucocorticoid levels in the mothers.
  • In Wistar rat pups, daily maternal stress combined with manipulation increased glucocorticoid levels and altered the Bmal1 rhythm in the SCN.
  • Blocking glucocorticoid receptors with mifepristone completely inhibited the changes in the Bmal1 rhythm in Wistar pups.
  • In spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) pups, maternal stress alone caused a phase shift in Bmal1 expression, but this effect was not dependent on glucocorticoids.
  • The expression profiles of Per1 and Per2 remained aligned with the light/dark cycle, indicating some rhythmic functions were preserved.

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