MINORITY PREDOCTORAL

这项研究的主要目的是确定NMDA、P物质和NK1速激肽受体亚型在昼夜节律的产生和携带中的作用。其具体目的是确定：1)速激肽P物质诱导或调节SCN产生的昼夜节律的相移的程度，2)NK1速激肽受体的表达对于产生或携带SCN产生的昼夜节律所必需的程度，以及3)EAA受体激动剂NMDA能在多大程度上模拟光诱导的松果体褪黑素水平的夜间抑制。这种动物模型提供了一个优势，因为它具有高度可重复性的车轮运行节奏，以及夜间松果体褪黑激素的相对较高水平。上述研究结果将增加我们对昼夜节律携带的药理学的了解，并可能导致开发治疗昼夜节律系统紊乱的药物。

The primary objective of this research proposal is to characterize the role of NMDA, substance P, and the NK1 tachykinin receptor subtype in the generation and entrainment of circadian rhythms. The specific aims are to determine: 1) the extent that the tachykinin substance P induces or modulates phase shifts of SCN generated circadian rhythms, 2) the extent that the expression of the NK1 tachykinin receptor is necessary for the generation or entrainment of SCN generated circadian rhythms, and 3) the extent that the EAA receptor agonist NMDA can mimic the light induced suppression of nocturnal levels of pineal melatonin The studies will be performed using the Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). This animal model provides an advantage because it has a highly reproducible wheel-running rhythm and relatively high nocturnal levels of pineal melatonin. The results of the above studies will increase our understanding of the pharmacology of circadian entrainment, and may lead to the development of drugs to combat disorders of the circadian system.