Many biological functions are maintained with a periodicity of approximately 24 hours and are therefore termed circadian. The role of the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) in generating circadian rhythms in behaviors, endocrine functions, and other physiological processes is well established. Approximately 500 neurons immunoreactive for calbindin (CB) in the caudal .region of the hamster SCN have been identified as critical in SCN grafts for the restoration of circadian locomotion in SCN- lesioned hamsters. Calbindin-D28K, a calcium-binding protein found in select neuronal populations within the brain, binds calcium selectively and with high affinity. This proposal aims at investigating characteristics of this population of SCN neurons that has retinal input and circadian output functions. Using electrophysiological and immunohistochemical techniques, I will determine if action potential firing patterns of CB- immunoreactive neurons are circadian. Second, I will investigate how CB-immunoreactive (Cbir) neurons respond to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), neuropeptides localized in the same region of the SCN. Third, I will determine how VIP modulates the synaptic stimulation of CBir neurons.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31NS042406-02
Application #
6671468
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-IFCN-3 (01))
Program Officer
Nichols, Paul L
Project Start
2001-09-01
Project End
Budget Start
2002-09-01
Budget End
2003-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$27,822
Indirect Cost
Name
Oregon Health and Science University
Department
Neurosciences
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
096997515
City
Portland
State
OR
Country
United States
Zip Code
97239