Role of norepinephrine synchronization on melatonin synthesis regulation of pineal gland culture: function and action mechanisms.

Author(s)

Jessica Andrade da Silva

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas
• Defense date: 23 maio 2013

Examining board members

Jose Cipolla Neto; Ana Maria de Lauro Castrucci; Fabio Bessa Lima

• Advisor: Jose Cipolla Neto

Abstract

The mammals pineal gland is not an autonomous oscillator, the circadian melatonin synthesis requires the release of norepinephrine (NE) on the dark phase. In standard pineal gland culture, the glands do not express any functional rhythmicity. To mimic the physiological pattern of NE release in the pineal gland culture, we developed a synchronized culture with NE. We aimed to investigate the maintenance of circadian clock genes expression within rat pineal gland under acute and synchronized culture and the noradrenergic pathway involved. In in vitro experiments, culture glands were under: control (without NE), acute (standard culture) and synchronized (12h with NE/12h without NE) conditions. Furthermore, in the synchronized group were added Prasozin and/or Propranolol. We investigated clock genes expression, AANAT activity and melatonin content. The synchronized culture was able to maintain the rhythmic clock genes expression, which didn´t occur in control, acute and synchronized treated with blockers groups, and was able to improve AANAT activity and melatonin synthesis. In conclusion, synchronized culture method showed as a useful approach to avoid disruption of rhythmic variations found in the standard culture. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/04359-8 - Role of noradrenergic synchronized on melatonin synthesis of pineal gland culture: functionals characteristics and action mechanisms
• Grantee: Jéssica Andrade da Silva
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Master