Vasopressin in circadian function of SCN.

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) that acts as the primary circadian pacemaker in mammals is responsible for orchestrating multiple circadian rhythms in every organism. A network structure in the SCN composed of multiple types of neurons orchestrates the circadian rhythms. Despite speculations regarding the working of the clock, the molecular mechanisms governing it is far from clear.

Neurotransmitters of the suprachiasmatic nuclei.

There has been extensive research in the recent past looking into the molecular basis and mechanisms of the biological clock, situated in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the anterior hypothalamus. Neurotransmitters are a very important component of SCN function. Thorough knowledge of neurotransmitters is not only essential for the understanding of the clock but also for the successful manipulation of the clock with experimental chemicals and therapeutical drugs.

Arginine vasopressin as a neurotransmitter in brain.

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) which exerts diverse biological effects in mammals is no more restricted to the posterior pituitary. Neurons containing AVP are seen in many other areas and in CNS vasopressinergic neurons are identified from the neocortex to the spinal cord. With the characterization of three different types of vasopressin receptor subtypes V1a, V1b and V2 responsible for its actions, their cloning and identification in different areas--especially in the brain many more hitherto unknown functions of AVP in brain has come to light.

Pulse wave velocity and lipid profile in varicose vein patients.

In 20 varicose vein patients, aged twenty-five to forty-five years, and suffering the disease for more than two years, pulse wave velocity (PWV) of the femoral-dorsalis pedis artery of the lower limbs was measured and compared with that of 20 age-matched normal subjects. Blood pressure and fasting serum total cholesterol level, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) were also estimated for these subjects. PWV showed a significant increase (P < 0.

Effect of vitamin D deficiency on electrocardiogram of rats.

Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were studied in rats fed vitamin D deficient diet for 12 weeks. The results indicated significant shortening of QT interval of ECG. Other intervals were normal when compared with age matched control rats.