Chapter 46 Circadian rhythmicity: from basic science to clinical approach

摘要: Publisher Summary Knowledge on mechanisms underlying the mammalian circadian system, effect of light and season year system role melatonin improves understanding daily rhythms or chronobiological disorders leads to new therapies. Many biochemical, physiological, behavioral processes in mammals including humans exhibit rhythms. Among them are endocrine melatonin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosteroids, growth hormone, prolactin as well rest-activity sleep–wake cycle, body temperature, many other variables. The controlled by a pacemaker located suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) hypothalamus. In non-periodic environment, free-runs with period close to, but not equal 24 hour. To 24-hour day, phase entrained mainly alternation environmental darkness—namely, part day. Classically, photic stimuli evening early night delay, whereas late morning advance pacemaker; expo-sure during day does usually affect pacemaker's phase. Photic information is conveyed SCN way direct retinal projection, retinohypothalamic tract, pathways—namely, geniculohypothalamic tract.