Serotonin phase-shifts the mouse suprachiasmatic circadian clock in vitro

Brain Res. 2003 Mar 14;966(1):110-5. doi: 10.1016/s0006-8993(02)04206-3.

Abstract

The mammalian circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) receives multiple afferent signals that could potentially modulate its phase. One input, the serotonin (5-HT) projection from the raphe nuclei, has been extensively investigated in rats and hamsters, yet its role(s) in modulating circadian clock phase remains controversial. To expand our investigation of 5-HT modulation of the SCN clock, we investigated the phase-shifting effects of 5-HT and its agonist, (+)8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (DPAT), when applied to mouse SCN brain slices. 5-HT induced 2-3 h phase advances when applied during subjective day, while non-significant phase shifts were seen after 5-HT application at other times. These phase shifts were completely blocked by the 5-HT antagonist, metergoline. DPAT also induced phase shifts when applied during mid-subjective day, and this effect appeared dose-dependent. Together, these results demonstrate that the mouse SCN, like that of the rat, is directly sensitive to in vitro phase-resetting by 5-HT.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Circadian Rhythm / drug effects*
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Serotonin / pharmacology*
  • Serotonin Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Serotonin Receptor Agonists / pharmacology
  • Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / drug effects*
  • Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / physiology

Substances

  • Serotonin Antagonists
  • Serotonin Receptor Agonists
  • Serotonin