Neuroplasticity in the mammalian clock : the effect of aging and seasons

Doctoral Thesis

Many organisms have developed an internal clock to cope with the daily and seasonal cycles in the environment. In mammals, suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus control circadian rhythms in behavior and physiology. Evidence links the proper function of circadian clock to mental and physical health. Aging disturbs the accurate function of the SCN and impairs many rhythms such as sleep-wake cycle. Hence improvement of clock function can aid healthy aging. In chapters 3 and 4 I show the ensemble output of the SCN neuronal network is more robust than individual cells__ output suggesting a compensatory role of the network in aging. Seasonal changes affect the physiology and reproduction success of many organisms. The SCN encodes for day-length by adjusting the pattern of its electrical activity rhythm.. In chapters 5 and 6 I reveal that plasticity in interneuronal and cell-intrinsic functions in the SCN helps the organism to adjust to yearly natural changes in photoperiod....Show moreMany organisms have developed an internal clock to cope with the daily and seasonal cycles in the environment. In mammals, suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus control circadian rhythms in behavior and physiology. Evidence links the proper function of circadian clock to mental and physical health. Aging disturbs the accurate function of the SCN and impairs many rhythms such as sleep-wake cycle. Hence improvement of clock function can aid healthy aging. In chapters 3 and 4 I show the ensemble output of the SCN neuronal network is more robust than individual cells__ output suggesting a compensatory role of the network in aging. Seasonal changes affect the physiology and reproduction success of many organisms. The SCN encodes for day-length by adjusting the pattern of its electrical activity rhythm.. In chapters 5 and 6 I reveal that plasticity in interneuronal and cell-intrinsic functions in the SCN helps the organism to adjust to yearly natural changes in photoperiod. These results imply that extensive artificial light in modern society may alter neurotransmitters action in the SCN. A better understanding of SCN network function and cellular properties facilitate alleviation of modern life-related diseases caused by circadian disturbances and aging.Show less

Calcium

Potassium channels