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Microcurrent stimulation activates the circadian machinery in mice
Naoya Matsunaga1, Yuya Yoshida2, Naoki Kitajou2
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8512, Japan; Department of Global Healthcare Science, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|April 5, 2019
Summary
Microcurrent stimulation (MCS) advances the circadian rhythm in mice by activating clock genes. This finding suggests MCS could be a novel therapeutic approach for age-related circadian disruption and sleep disorders.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Circadian rhythm disruption is a hallmark of aging, leading to sleep disorders and impaired physiological functions.
- Clock genes regulate circadian rhythms, and their synchronization is weakened with age, necessitating new synchronization methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of microcurrent stimulation (MCS) on the circadian machinery in wild-type and Clock mutant mice.
- To determine if MCS can synchronize clock genes and improve circadian rhythm regulation.
Main Methods:
- MCS was applied to cultured mouse astrocytes and whole mice (wild-type and Clock mutant).
- Per1 mRNA and pCREB protein expression levels and rhythms were analyzed.
- Locomotor activity rhythms were monitored to assess circadian function.
Main Results:
- MCS induced Per1 mRNA expression in astrocytes, dependent on the cAMP response element (CRE) in the Per1 promoter.
- MCS increased Per1 mRNA in mouse livers and advanced its expression rhythm.
- MCS altered pCREB protein expression rhythms and advanced locomotor activity rhythms in both mouse models.
Conclusions:
- Microcurrent stimulation activates the core circadian clock machinery in mice.
- MCS demonstrates potential as a therapeutic strategy to improve circadian rhythm regulation and address age-related disruptions.
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