Circadian expression of clock gene in the optic tectum of Japanese quail

• Published in: Brain research Vol. 1005; no. 1; pp. 193 - 196
• Main Authors: Yasuo, Shinobu, Ebihara, Shizufumi, Yoshimura, Takashi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Elsevier B.V 16.04.2004; Amsterdam Elsevier; New York, NY
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Circadian Rhythm - genetics; Clock gene; Coturnix; Eye and associated structures. Visual pathways and centers. Vision; Eye Proteins - analysis; Eye Proteins - biosynthesis; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Japanese quail; Light; Melatonin receptor; Optic tectum; Retinal projection; RNA, Messenger - analysis; RNA, Messenger - biosynthesis; Superior Colliculi - chemistry; Superior Colliculi - metabolism; Tectofugal pathway; Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs; Tectofugal pathway; Japanese quail; Optic tectum; Clock gene; Retinal projection; Neural basis of behavior; Melatonin receptor; Central nervous system; Projection; Retina; Quail; Gene expression; Encephalon; Eye; Visual system; Vertebrata; Visual pathway; Aves
• ISSN: 0006-8993; 1872-6240
• DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2004.01.031

The physiological activity of avian optic tectum (TeO) is known to be regulated by the circadian system. In a previous study, we found clock gene expression in the TeO of Japanese quail. Here we report rhythmic expression of the Per2 gene in the stratum griseum et fibrosum (SGF) of the TeO under a light–dark (LD) cycle, constant darkness (DD), and constant light (LL) conditions. However, light pulse did not affect Per2 expression in the TeO. These results suggest that light stimulus and melatonin rhythm are not essential for rhythmic expression of Per2 in the avian TeO in spite of the localization of melatonin receptors and retinal input.