The dominant pacemaker of the mammalian circadian clock, located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), is of special interest for many pharmacological, physiological and immunohistological studies on angiotensins and their receptors. Based on its role in the circadian modulation of blood pressure and vasopressin release, the distribution and function of the neuropeptide angiotensin II (ANG II) and its AT1-receptors (AT1) in the SCN became a target for several immunohistological studies. Though the distribution of ANG II and vasopressin in the SCN is well known at light microscopic level, detailed data concerning the AT1-receptor distribution in the SCN is missing. To confirm the mechanisms by which ANG II exerts its actions in the SCN, it is vital to understand how the brain renin-angiotensin system is organized at the cellular level, including the distribution of ANG II and the ANG II (AT1)-receptors as well as the protein-receptor complex. The current paper presents a light- and electron microscopic study on AT1-receptor-immunolabeling in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2004.01.085 | DOI Listing |
Int J Mol Sci
December 2024
Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
Circadian rhythms are important for maintaining homeostasis, from regulating physiological activities (e.g., sleep-wake cycle and cognitive performance) to cellular processes (e.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAnimals (Basel)
December 2024
Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91090, Veracruz, Mexico.
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the master regulator of the circadian system, modulating the daily timing of physiological and behavioral processes in mammals. While SCN synchronization is primarily driven by environmental light signals, sex hormones, particularly androgens, have a crucial role in regulating behavioral and reproductive processes to align with daily or seasonal cycles. SCN cell populations express receptors for sex steroid hormones, contributing to circadian synchronization mechanisms.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Neuroendocrinol
January 2025
Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
Among contributors to diffusible signaling are portal systems which join two capillary beds through connecting veins. Portal systems allow diffusible signals to be transported in high concentrations directly from one capillary bed to the other without dilution in the systemic circulation. Two portal systems have been identified in the brain.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPeptides
January 2025
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Expression of prokineticin 2 (PK2) mRNA in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), also known as the brain's clock, exhibits circadian oscillations with peak levels midday, zeitgeber time (ZT) 4, and almost undetectable levels during night. This circadian expression profile has substantially contributed to the suggested role of PK2 as an SCN output molecule involved in transmitting circadian rhythm of behavior and physiology. Due to unreliable specificity of PK2 antibodies, the 81 amino acid protein has primarily been studied at the mRNA level and correlation between circadian oscillating mRNAs and protein products are infrequent.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Biosci (Landmark Ed)
December 2024
Halberg Chronobiology Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
This review explores the intricate relationship between glaucoma and circadian rhythm disturbances. As a principal organ for photic signal reception and transduction, the eye plays a pivotal role in coordinating the body's circadian rhythms through specialized retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), particularly intrinsically photosensitive RGCs (ipRGCs). These cells are critical in transmitting light signals to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the central circadian clock that synchronizes physiological processes to the 24-hour light-dark cycle.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!