Effect of melatonin administration on qPer2, qPer3, and qClock gene expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of Japanese quail

Temporal changes of mRNA expression of three clock genes, qPer2, qPer3 and qClock, were studied in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of Japanese quail under different light conditions, as well as under the condition of continuous melatonin. In addition, the expression of melatonin receptor genes, Mel1a and Mel1c, in the SCN were also examined. The expression of qPer2 mRNA showed robust oscillation during both light and dark (LD) 12:12 cycles and under constant dark conditions (DD), but did not exhibit circadian rhythmicity in constant light conditions (LL), instead being expressed at a consistently high level. Expression of qPer3 also showed robust oscillation under both LD and DD conditions. Unlike qPer2 however, qPer3 mRNA expression remained rhythmic under LL conditions. Contrary to the findings on the other clock genes, no remarkable rhythmicity was detectable in either light condition. Both Mel1a and Mel1c mRNAs were detected in the SCN, however, Mel1a mRNA levels were higher than Mel1c and showed daily rhythmicity. Although implantation of melatonin tubes caused constant high levels of plasma melatonin and consequently masked the endogenous daily melatonin rhythm, no significant differences in the expression pattern of any of the three clock genes were observed between birds with and without constant melatonin. In addition, a single injection of melatonin did not affect mRNA expression of these clock genes. These results suggest that melatonin does not affect transcription of clock genes, but may act on the mechanism of synchronization among SCN oscillatory cells.

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: [Effect of melatonin administration on qPer2, qPer3, and qClock gene expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of Japanese quail. European Journal of Neuroscience 16, 8 p1541-1546 (2002)], which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1460-9568.2002.02222.x. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions: https://authorservices.wiley.com/author-resources/Journal-Authors/licensing/self-archiving.html#3.

Files

Metadata

Work Title Effect of melatonin administration on qPer2, qPer3, and qClock gene expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of Japanese quail
Access
Open Access
Creators
  1. Shinobu Yasuo
  2. Takashi Yoshimura
  3. Paul A. Bartell
  4. Masayuki Iigo
  5. Eri Makino
  6. Naritoshi Okabayashi
  7. Shizufumi Ebihara
Keyword
  1. Clock gene
  2. Japanese quail
  3. Melatonin
  4. Suprachiasmatic nucleus
License In Copyright (Rights Reserved)
Work Type Article
Publisher
  1. European Journal of Neuroscience
Publication Date October 30, 2002
Publisher Identifier (DOI)
  1. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1460-9568.2002.02222.x
Deposited December 05, 2023

Versions

Analytics

Collections

This resource is currently not in any collection.

Work History

Version 1
published

  • Created
  • Added Eur_J_of_Neuroscience_-_2002_-_Yasuo_-_Effect_of_melatonin_administration_on_qPer2__qPer3__and_qClock_gene_expression_in-1.pdf
  • Added Creator Shinobu Yasuo
  • Added Creator Takashi Yoshimura
  • Added Creator Paul A. Bartell
  • Added Creator Masayuki Iigo
  • Added Creator Eri Makino
  • Added Creator Naritoshi Okabayashi
  • Added Creator Shizufumi Ebihara
  • Published
  • Updated Keyword Show Changes
    Keyword
    • Clock gene, Japanese quail, Melatonin, Suprachiasmatic nucleus
  • Updated