作者: Charles N. Allen , Zhi-Gen Jiang , Koji Teshima , Tristan Darland , Masayuki Ikeda
DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.19-06-02152.1999
关键词:
摘要: Neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) constitute principal circadian pacemaker of mammals. In situ hybridization studies revealed expression orphanin-FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N) receptor (NOR) mRNA SCN, whereas no for preproOFQ/N (ppOFQ/N) was detected. The presence OFQ/N peptide SCN demonstrated by radioimmunoassay. neurons (88%) responded dose-dependently to with an outward current (EC50 = 22.3 nM) that reduced amplitude membrane hyperpolarization and reversed polarity near theoretical potassium equilibrium potential. [Phe1psi(Ch2-NH)Gly2]OFQ/N(1-13)NH2 (3 microM), a putative NOR antagonist, activated small significantly OFQ/N-stimulated current. NMDA receptor-mediated increase intracellular Ca2+. When injected unilaterally into Syrian hamsters housed constant darkness, (1-50 pmol) failed alter timing hamsters' wheel-running activity. However, injection (0.1-50 before brief exposure light during midsubjective night attenuated light-induced phase advances activity rhythm. These data are consistent interpretation acting at specific receptors modulates and, thereby, response clock light.