Summary
This thesis investigates how acute lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration disrupts circadian rhythm regulation by modifying intracellular signaling pathways in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) and pineal gland, including phosphorylation of GSK3β, ERK1/2, and STAT3. For lighting and healthcare applications, these findings suggest that immune challenges (e.g., infection, systemic inflammation) can interfere with the biological clock's responsiveness, potentially informing light therapy protocols for patients experiencing illness-related circadian disruption.
Key Findings
- LPS administration substantially modified levels of phosphorylated GSK3β, ERK1/2, and STAT3 in the SCN and pineal gland, indicating immune-driven disruption of core circadian signaling.
- Effects were particularly pronounced in the pineal gland, suggesting that immune activation may suppress or alter melatonin synthesis pathways.
- LPS caused phase shifts in circadian rhythmicity and behavioral changes, consistent with immune-circadian crosstalk mediated through the SCN.
Categories
Sleep & Circadian Health: Examines how endotoxin (LPS) disrupts circadian rhythmicity, melatonin synthesis, and phase shifts in the suprachiasmatic nuclei and pineal gland.
The Science of Light: Investigates cellular signaling cascades (GSK3β, ERK1/2, STAT3) in the SCN and pineal gland that underpin circadian entrainment and melatonin regulation.
Author(s)
P Štěrbová
Publication Year
2015
Related Publications
Sleep & Circadian Health
- Phototransduction by retinal ganglion cells that set the circadian clock
- The mammalian circadian timing system: organization and coordination of central and peripheral clocks
- The two‐process model of sleep regulation: a reappraisal
- Melanopsin is required for non-image-forming photic responses in blind mice
- Strange vision: ganglion cells as circadian photoreceptors
The Science of Light
- Phototransduction by retinal ganglion cells that set the circadian clock
- Color appearance models
- The mammalian circadian timing system: organization and coordination of central and peripheral clocks
- Diminished pupillary light reflex at high irradiances in melanopsin-knockout mice
- Melanopsin is required for non-image-forming photic responses in blind mice