[NEUROENDOCRINE HYPOTNALAMUS AS A HOMEOSTAT OF ENDOGENOUS TIME]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology
• Chronobiology

Background:

• The hypothalamus was historically viewed as a homeostat for metabolism and temperature.
• Recent research has expanded understanding to include its role in regulating circadian and circannual rhythms.
• Hypothalamic nuclei are now recognized as crucial pacemakers for endogenous temporal processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the molecular mechanisms of hypothalamic function in regulating biological rhythms.
• To analyze the features of local neural networks within hypothalamic nuclei.
• To formulate principles of neuropeptide effects in hypothalamic homeostatic regulation of endogenous time.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of neurobiological and molecular studies.
• Analysis of hypothalamic local network structures.
• Examination of neuropeptide signaling pathways.

Main Results:

• Hypothalamic nuclei function as pacemakers, orchestrating temporal parameters of biological processes.
• Local networks within the hypothalamus exhibit specific organizational features.
• Neuropeptide effects are key to the homeostatic regulation of the organism's endogenous time.

Conclusions:

• The hypothalamus is central to maintaining metabolic and thermal homeostasis and regulating endogenous time.
• Understanding hypothalamic pacemakers and neuropeptide signaling is crucial for comprehending biological rhythms.
• This review synthesizes current knowledge on the hypothalamus's role in temporal regulation.