Electrophysiological responses of hamster suprachiasmatic neurones to neuropeptide Y in the hypothalamic slice preparation.
The rate and pattern of neuronal discharge in the hamster suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) was studied using an in vitro hypothalamic slice preparation. The firing rate of hamster SCN neurones (n = 183 cells) exhibited a circadian variation similar to that reported in the rat. SCN neurones tested for responses to pressure ejection of neuropeptide Y (NPY) (n = 49) were either tonically excited (65%) or unresponsive (35%). There was a tendency for more NPY-responsive cells to be recorded during the light phase of the circadian light-dark cycle.
Mason
R
R
Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, U.K.
Harrington
M E
ME
Rusak
B
B
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D006224:Cricetinae; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008647:Mesocricetus; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013493:Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D009478:Neuropeptide Y