Abstract
The pineal hormone melatonin is believed to act directly on the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), which are principal circadian pacemakers in rodents, although direct demonstration of this is lacking. To determine whether the SCN are sensitive to melatonin electrophysiologically, we investigated the effect of melatonin on rat SCN single-unit activity in an in vitro hypothalamic slice preparation. SCN single-unit activity was inhibited by melatonin superfusion during the late subjective day in a dose-dependent manner but not at other times of day, supporting the view that melatonin acts directly on SCN neurons.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
