Identification of Melatonin Receptors in the Rat Suprachiasmatic 2.2 Cell Line: A Valid Model for Circadian Rhythm Studies
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Authors
Luke, Kimberly A.
Issue Date
1999
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are expressed by organisms across all Kingdoms of life. In
vertebrates, melatonin is the neurohormone that marks periods of light and darkness.
Melatonin has been shown to not only influence periods of rest and activity, but also to
regulate other physiological functions such as reproduction and circulation. The
suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the anterior hypothalamus of the brain has been shown
to be the site of the master circadian clock. This area also contains a high density of
putative melatonin binding sites as well expression of melatonin receptors, confirmed by
pharmacological identification and characterization.
Three melatonin receptors have currently been identified through various
methods. Both the mt 1 and MT 2 receptors have been cloned from mammalian tissues, and
pharmacologically characterized. The MT 3 receptor has been identified through
pharmacological means, but has not yet been cloned.
The study of melatonin receptor expression and function in native tissues such as
the SCN is hampered by the great amount of tissue needed. The development of the SCN
2.2 cell line has the potential to become a very useful model in facilitating research of the
role of melatonin in the circadian timing system. This study provides preliminary support
for the use of the SCN 2.2 cell line as a viable model for circadian rhythm research, as
well as elucidating the roles of melatonin signaling in the circadian timing system.
Description
iv, 31 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.