Circadian clock in culture: N-acetyltransferase activity of chick pineal glands oscillates in vitro

Science. 1979 Feb 16;203(4381):656-8. doi: 10.1126/science.569904.

Abstract

N-Acetyltransferase activity was measured in organ-cultured chick pineal glands. A circadian rhythm of enzyme activity persisted in cultured glands for up to 4 days. The phase of the rhythm in vitro closely approximates its phase in vivo. These observations demonstrate that the pineal gland of chicks contains (or is) a self-sustained circadian oscillator.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Acetyltransferases / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chick Embryo
  • Chickens
  • Circadian Rhythm*
  • Darkness
  • Pineal Gland / enzymology
  • Pineal Gland / physiology*

Substances

  • Acetyltransferases