Circadian rhythm in membrane conductance expressed in isolated neurons.
Publication/Presentation Date
1-8-1993
Abstract
Although isolated neurons can generate rhythmic activity, they have not yet been shown to generate rhythms with a period in the circadian range (near 24 hours). The eye of the mollusk Bulla gouldiana expresses a circadian rhythm in optic nerve impulses that is generated by electrically coupled cells known as basal retinal neurons (BRNs). Daily fluctuations in the membrane potential of the BRNs appear to be driven by a rhythm in membrane conductance. Isolated BRNs exhibited spontaneous conductance changes similar to those observed in the intact retina. Membrane conductance was high in the late subjective night and decreased approximately twofold near projected dawn during at least two circadian cycles in culture. The persistence of daily conductance changes in isolated BRNs indicates that individual neurons can function as circadian pacemakers.
Volume
259
Issue
5092
First Page
239
Last Page
241
ISSN
0036-8075
Published In/Presented At
Michel, S., Geusz, M. E., Zaritsky, J. J., & Block, G. D. (1993). Circadian rhythm in membrane conductance expressed in isolated neurons. Science (New York, N.Y.), 259(5092), 239–241. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.8421785
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Pediatrics
PubMedID
8421785
Department(s)
Department of Pediatrics
Document Type
Article