1. Photoperiod affects distribution of dynorphin A in the brain of Siberian hamster.
- Author
-
Meyza KZ and Sotowska-Brochocka J
- Subjects
- Animals, Cricetinae, Female, Immunohistochemistry methods, Male, Time Factors, Brain metabolism, Dynorphins metabolism, Phodopus metabolism, Photoperiod
- Abstract
Dynorphin A1-77 (DYN A1-17) acting in the CNS is known to affect thermoregulation, water and energy balance in the short time scale. In this study a long-term alteration of these functions induced by changes of day length in the highly photoperiodic species, the Siberian hamster (Phodopus sungorus) was studied using immunohistochemistry for DYN A1-17. We found that in the long day (LD, L:D 16 h:8 h) more brain areas express DYN A1-17 peptide than in the short day (SD, L:D 8 h:16 h) conditions. Structures of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis as well as cells of the ependyma, subcomissural organ and choroid plexus of the lateral and third brain ventricles are immunoreactive to anti-dynorphin IgG only in the LD. This might indicate a seasonal regulatory role of DYN A1-17 in physiological adaptations to severe climate changes.
- Published
- 2006
- Full Text
- View/download PDF