Abstract
The circadian cycle is a fundamental biological rhythm that governs many physiological functions across nearly all living organisms. In the gastrointestinal tract, activities such as gut motility, hormone synthesis, and communication between the gut, central nervous system and microbiome all fluctuate in alignment with the circadian cycle. The enteric nervous system (ENS) is critical for co-ordinating many of these activities, however, how its activity is governed by the circadian cycle remains unknown. In this study, we used live calcium imaging to examine alterations in enteric neurotransmission during the 24-hour day/night cycle in mice. Additionally, given the role of food timing as a potent circadian entrainer, we also investigated the impact of an acute 13-hour fast on ENS activity. Our findings reveal that enteric neuronal activity typically increases during the dark phase but shifts to the light phase following an acute fast. Importantly, these changes in neuronal activity were not accompanied by alterations in the gene expression of associated neurotransmitter receptors.
Published Version
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