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Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus of the Mink (Mustela vison) Could Play a Key Role in Photic Induction
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in the mink’s brain clock may play an important role in light-driven timing signals
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Abstract
The absence of vasopressin (AVP), somatostatin (SOM), and met-enkephalin (Met-ENK) neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the American mink was observed.
- VIP (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide) neurons were found to be widely distributed in the SCN, forming a dense network of fibers in surrounding areas.
- Weak gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) neurons were detected in the median part of the SCN.
- Magnocellular neurons located just above the SCN co-stored AVP with VIP, SOM, or Met-ENK.
- The absence of AVP and SOM neurons in the SCN is reported for the first time in a mammalian species.
- These findings raise questions about the role of these neuropeptides in circadian functions and light/dark cycle entrainment in other species.
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