Although the cellular and molecular workings of the circadian pacemaker located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) are being elucidated in striking detail, the neural mechanisms underlying diurnality versus nocturnality remain poorly understood. Current vertebrate research relies overwhelmingly on nocturnal rodent models; yet, diurnal species, including humans, present drastically different circadian rhythms. Recent work has revealed an endogenous rhythm in Fos-immunoreactivity in the lower subparaventricular, zone (LSPV), a principal target of the SCN that is reversed in a diurnal rodent species, the unstriped Nile grass rat, relative to that seen in lab rats. The research proposed here will test the hypothesis that the LSPV acts to 'switch' the coupling between the pacemaker and circadian rhythms in physiology and behavior in grass rats.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31MH070087-01A1
Application #
6793412
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F02A (20))
Program Officer
Curvey, Mary F
Project Start
2004-05-16
Project End
2007-05-15
Budget Start
2004-05-16
Budget End
2005-05-15
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$34,654
Indirect Cost
Name
Michigan State University
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
193247145
City
East Lansing
State
MI
Country
United States
Zip Code
48824