How do the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus integrate photoperiodic information?
The suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus (SCN) plays an essential role in the generation and maintenance of circadian rhythms in mammals. The SCN activity is also dependent upon the photoperiod. The duration of the SCN sensitive phase to light, in term of Fos induction, is variable and tied to the length of the night. The question is how and by which pathways can photoperiod influence SCN? It is possible following the theoretical model of evening and morning component of the clock that the SCN build itself the photoperiodic signal. That the SCN integrate the photoperiodic information through indirect neural or neuroendocrine pathways is also to consider. Data in favor of these different interpretations are presented.
Pévet
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Neurobiologie des Fonctions Rythmiques et Saisonnières, UMR-CNRS 7518, Université Louis-Pasteur, Strasbourg, France.
Jacob
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Lakhdar-Ghazal
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Vuillez
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D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D003463:Cues; D008322:Mammals / Q000502:physiology*; D008550:Melatonin / Q000502:physiology; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology*; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000502:physiology*; D017440:Photoperiod; D013493:Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / Q000502:physiology*
D008550:Melatonin