Circadian rhythm in NO synthase I transcript expression and its photoperiodic regulation in the rat pineal gland

The photoneural regulation of nitric oxide synthase type I (NOS I) expression in the rat pineal was investigated using semiquantitative RT-PCR. NOS I transcript expression exhibited a daily rhythm with peak values during the night hours. The daily rhythm in NOS I transcript expression persisted under constant dark conditions and was abolished under constant light conditions. The extent of nocturnal NOS I expression was found to be dependent on the photoperiod. It was attenuated under 20 h light and 4 h dark (L:D 20:4) compared with 12 h light and 12 h dark (L:D 12:12). The present findings indicate that, in the rat pineal, NOS I transcript expression exhibits a true circadian rhythm. Further, photoperiod-induced changes in circadian transcript expression appear to be responsible for reported changes in NOS I protein expression.