AI Article Synopsis

  • The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus is the central control hub for circadian rhythms in mammals, producing various neurotransmitters.
  • Researchers confirmed the presence of β-adrenergic receptors in the SCN and examined their effects on energy signaling through cAMP-regulated elements.
  • The study's findings suggest that stress-related increases in adrenaline can impact circadian functions and may help explain side effects of β-blockers used for hypertension.

Article Abstract

The suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus (SCN) houses the central circadian oscillator of mammals. The main neurotransmitters produced in the SCN are γ-amino-butyric acid, arginine-vasopressin (AVP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), pituitary-derived adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP), prokineticin 2, neuromedin S, and gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP). Apart from these, catecholamines and their receptors were detected in the SCN as well. In this study, we confirmed the presence of β-adrenergic receptors in SCN and a mouse SCN-derived immortalized cell line by immunohistochemical, immuno-cytochemical, and pharmacological techniques. We then characterized the effects of β-adrenergic agonists and antagonists on cAMP-regulated element (CRE) signaling. Moreover, we investigated the interaction of β-adrenergic signaling with substances influencing parallel signaling pathways. Our findings have potential implications on the role of stress (elevated adrenaline) on the biological clock and may explain some of the side effects of β-blockers applied as anti-hypertensive drugs.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jpi.12999DOI Listing

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