Electrophysiology of the suprachiasmatic circadian clock.
In mammals, an internal timekeeping mechanism located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) orchestrates a diverse array of neuroendocrine and physiological parameters to anticipate the cyclical environmental fluctuations that occur every solar day. Electrophysiological recording techniques have proved invaluable in shaping our understanding of how this endogenous clock becomes synchronized to salient environmental cues and appropriately coordinates the timing of a multitude of physiological rhythms in other areas of the brain and body. In this review we discuss the pioneering studies that have shaped our understanding of how this biological pacemaker functions, from input to output. Further, we highlight insights from new studies indicating that, more than just reflecting its oscillatory output, electrical activity within individual clock cells is a vital part of SCN clockwork itself.
Brown
Timothy M
TM
Faculty of Life Sciences, Stopford Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
Piggins
Hugh D
HD
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D001683:Biological Clocks / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000819:agonists / Q000378:metabolism; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000819:agonists / Q000378:metabolism; D018013:Receptors, Neuropeptide / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D013493:Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D007473:Ion Channels; D009479:Neuropeptides; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D018013:Receptors, Neuropeptide