Title | Seasonal changes in day length induce multisynaptic neurotransmitter switching to regulate hypothalamic network activity and behavior. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2022 |
Authors | Porcu A, Nilsson A, Booreddy S, Barnes SA, Welsh DK, Dulcis D |
Journal | Sci Adv |
Volume | 8 |
Issue | 35 |
Pagination | eabn9867 |
Date Published | 2022 Sep 02 |
ISSN | 2375-2548 |
Abstract | Seasonal changes in day length (photoperiod) affect numerous physiological functions. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)-paraventricular nucleus (PVN) axis plays a key role in processing photoperiod-related information. Seasonal variations in SCN and PVN neurotransmitter expression have been observed in humans and animal models. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the SCN-PVN network responds to altered photoperiod is unknown. Here, we show in mice that neuromedin S (NMS) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) neurons in the SCN display photoperiod-induced neurotransmitter plasticity. In vivo recording of calcium dynamics revealed that NMS neurons alter PVN network activity in response to winter-like photoperiod. Chronic manipulation of NMS neurons is sufficient to induce neurotransmitter switching in PVN neurons and affects locomotor activity. Our findings reveal previously unidentified molecular adaptations of the SCN-PVN network in response to seasonality and the role for NMS neurons in adjusting hypothalamic function to day length via a coordinated multisynaptic neurotransmitter switching affecting behavior. |
DOI | 10.1126/sciadv.abn9867 |
Alternate Journal | Sci Adv |
PubMed ID | 36054362 |
Seasonal changes in day length induce multisynaptic neurotransmitter switching to regulate hypothalamic network activity and behavior.
Category:
IRG Funded