Interaction between the circadian clocks of mother and fetus.
In mammals, a unidirectional communication exists between the biological clocks of the mother and fetus. As a biological clock begins oscillating in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the fetus, redundant circadian signals entrain the fetal clock to the prevailing light-dark cycle. Recent studies have revealed an activatable dopamine system within the fetal hypothalamus which may serve as a final common pathway by which maternal signals entrain the fetus. An entrained biological clock during fetal life makes the developing mammal better prepared for life in the outside world.
Reppert
S M
SM
Laboratory of Developmental Chronobiology, Children's Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D008322:Mammals; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D011247:Pregnancy