Linking neural activity and molecular oscillations in the SCN
TLDR
Current understanding of the ionic and molecular mechanisms that drive the rhythmic firing patterns in the SCN are reviewed, finding the strongest evidence for persistent Na+ currents.Abstract:
Neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) function as part of a central timing circuit that drives daily changes in our behaviour and underlying physiology. A hallmark feature of SCN neuronal populations is that they are mostly electrically silent during the night, start to fire action potentials near dawn and then continue to generate action potentials with a slow and steady pace all day long. Sets of currents are responsible for this daily rhythm, with the strongest evidence for persistent Na(+) currents, L-type Ca(2+) currents, hyperpolarization-activated currents (I(H)), large-conductance Ca(2+) activated K(+) (BK) currents and fast delayed rectifier (FDR) K(+) currents. These rhythms in electrical activity are crucial for the function of the circadian timing system, including the expression of clock genes, and decline with ageing and disease. This article reviews our current understanding of the ionic and molecular mechanisms that drive the rhythmic firing patterns in the SCN.read more
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Ion Channels of Excitable Membranes
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TL;DR: It is shown that retinal ganglion cells innervating the SCN are intrinsically photosensitive, and depolarized in response to light even when all synaptic input from rods and cones was blocked.
Book ChapterDOI
Ion Channels in Excitable Membranes
TL;DR: The action potential is triggered when the membrane potential, which was at the resting level, depolarizes and reaches the threshold of excitation, which triggers the action potential.