Abstract
Stimulation of the uterine cervix in the rat induces a pattern of PRL secretion composed of two daily surges: a diurnal surge occurring as the lights go off and a nocturnal surge occurring as the lights go on. We recently demonstrated that these PRL surges are a true circadian rhythm in that they are entrained to an alternating photoperiod but free-run in constant dark. To determine if this induced rhythm is generated by the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), as are the other endogenous rhythms, we examined the pattern of PRL secretion in rats which were first cervically stimulated and then lesioned in the SCN. The cervices of rats maintained in a 12-h light, 12-h dark photoperiod were stimulated electrically for 30 sec at 1900 h (day 0). The next day, cannulae were inserted in their carotid arteries, and radiofrequency lesions were made in the SCN. Blood samples for PRL analysis were obtained at 2-h intervals from 0900 h on day 3 to 1100 h on day 4. Sham-operated rats and rats in which the SCN were missed or ...
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.
