Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) in the retinohypothalamic tract: A potential daytime regulator of the biological clock

Jens Hannibal, Jian M. Ding, Dong Chen, Jan Fahrenkrug, Philip J. Larsen, Martha U. Gillette, Jens D. Mikkelsen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The retinohypothalamic tract (RHT) relays photic information from the eyes to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Activation of this pathway by light plays a role in adjusting circadian timing via a glutamatergic pathway at night. Here we report a new signaling pathway by which the RHT may regulate circadian timing in the daytime as well. We used dual immunocytochemistry for pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) and the in vivo tracer cholera toxin subunit B and observed intense PACAP-immunoreactivity (PACAP-IR) in retinal afferents in the rat SCN as well as in the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) of the thalamus. This PACAP-IR in the SCN as well as in the (GL was nearly lost after bilateral eye enucleation. PACAP afferents originated from small ganglion cells distributed throughout the retina. The phase of circadian rhythm measured as SCN neuronal activity in vitro was significantly advanced (3.5 ± 0.4 hr) by application of 1 x 10-6 M PACAP-38 during the subjective day [circadian time (CT)-6] but not at night (CT14 and CT19). The phase-shifting effect is channeled to the clock via a PACAP-R1 receptor, because mRNA from this receptor was demonstrated in the ventral SCN by in situ hybridization. Furthermore, vasoactive intestinal peptide was nearly 1000-fold less potent in stimulating a phase advance at CT6. The signaling mechanism was through a cAMP-dependent pathway, which could be blocked by a specific cAMP antagonist, Rp-cAMPS. Thus, in addition to its role in nocturnal regulation by glutamatergic neurotransmission, the RHT may adjust the biological clock by a PACAP/cAMP-dependent mechanism during the daytime.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2637-2644
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Neuroscience
Volume17
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 1997

Keywords

  • brain slice
  • cAMP
  • circadian
  • ganglion cells
  • intergeniculate leaflet
  • PACAP receptor
  • phase shifting
  • rat
  • suprachiasmatic nucleus

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) in the retinohypothalamic tract: A potential daytime regulator of the biological clock'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this