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Estrous Cyclicity Modulates Circadian Rhythms In Female Syrian Hamsters

Herrman, Erin Rae
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1228154599

Abstract Details

2008, MS, Kent State University, College of Arts and Sciences / School of Biomedical Sciences.
The suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus (SCN) contains a circadian pacemaker that drives daily physiological and behavioral rhythms including reproductive cycles. The exact mechanisms by which gonadal hormones regulate the SCN are not completely understood, though there are several hypotheses about possible pathways linking circadian rhythms and the estrous cycle. This thesis examines these links by asking whether estrous cycles alter the response of the circadian clock to photic input, whether there are estrogen receptors expressed in the hamster SCN and if there are sex differences in expression, and whether acute administration of estradiol into the SCN region can alter circadian phase. CONCLUSIONS: The results generated for this thesis indicate that locomotor activity rhythms vary across the estrous in Syrian hamsters and that the response of the circadian clock to light varies by sex and by estrous cycle phase. Estrogen receptor (ER)-β messenger RNA was detected in the SCN using laser capture microdissection and real-time PCR, and this is the first time this combination of techniques was successfully applied in hamsters. In addition, despite the sex differences in behavior there were no differences in the expression of ER-β between males and females. Finally, estradiol did not shift rhythms in intact, mature male Syrian hamsters. These data demonstrate the importance of investigating circadian rhythmicity in both sexes for a complete understanding of clock mechanisms.
Eric Mintz, PhD (Advisor)
John Glass, PhD (Committee Member)
Sean Veney, PhD (Committee Member)
73 p.
Behaviorial Sciences; Biomedical Research; Cellular Biology; Gender; Molecular Biology; Neurology; Technology
Estradiol; Syrian hamster; Circadian rhythm; Estrous Cycle; Suprachiasmatic Nuclei (SCN); Laser Capture; Estrogen Receptor

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Herrman, E. R. (2008). Estrous Cyclicity Modulates Circadian Rhythms In Female Syrian Hamsters [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1228154599

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Herrman, Erin. Estrous Cyclicity Modulates Circadian Rhythms In Female Syrian Hamsters. 2008. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1228154599.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Herrman, Erin. "Estrous Cyclicity Modulates Circadian Rhythms In Female Syrian Hamsters." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1228154599

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2008, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.