Development of a fetal circadian rhythm after disruption of the maternal circadian system

Shigenobu Shibata, Robert Y. Moore*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The role of maternal circadian rhythms in the development of the fetal circadian system was investigated in the rat. Pregnant females were subjected to procedures known to disrupt circadian function, ablation of the maternal suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) or housing in constant illumination, on gestational day 10. Circadian function was assessed in fetuses at gestational day 22 by analysis of glucose utilization in hypothalamic slices in vitro using the 2-deoxyglucose method. Fetuses from control females exhibit a robust rhythm in glucose utilization in the SCN. In contrast, the SCN of fetuses from females with SCN lesions, or housed in constant illumination, show no significant day-night difference in glucose utilization. Analysis of individual brains indicates, however, that this apparent disruption in the development of circadian rhythmicity in metabolism in the fetal SCN is due to a desynchronization of individual fetuses resulting from the loss of maternal entraining influences. Thus, the fetal SCN is capable of developing a circadian rhythm in glucose utilization independent of the maternal circadian system.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)313-317
Number of pages5
JournalDevelopmental Brain Research
Volume41
Issue number1-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1988 Jun 1
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • 2-Deoxyglucose method
  • Circadian rhythm
  • Development
  • Maternal influence
  • Suprachiasmatic nucleus

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology

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