Characterization of the circadian oscillator in the choroid plexus of rats

Circadian rhythms are a fundamental biological phenomena that control various physiological functions. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is a master clock that integrates various peripheral clocks. Recently, the choroid plexus (CP) was reported to be one such peripheral clock, a circadian oscillator that might conversely affect the SCN. Hence, the principle aim of our study was to unravel the circadian oscillator within the CP. Quantitative PCR against rPer1, rPer2, and rBmal1 showed that CP in the lateral ventricle (CP-LV) and fourth ventricle (CP-4V) has a robust circadian oscillator. The phases of the CP oscillator are between those of the pineal gland (PG) and SCN. Bioluminescence monitoring of explants showed that the intrinsic circadian period of CP-LV and CP-4V was approximately 21 h, which is shorter than SCN and PG. It is possible that interaction between oscillators of the CP-LV, CP-4V, PG, and SCN ensures the SCN adopts a stable 24 h rhythm, with each of the regions having an intrinsic oscillator with different phases and periods. In situ hybridization analysis revealed that dusk-to-dawn variation of rPer2 expression was found in epithelial cells of the CP only. Furthermore, the CP circadian oscillator might control cerebrospinal fluid secretion. However, no dusk-to-dawn variation in expression of the water channel, aquaporin 1, was observed. Further investigations are needed to clarify the involvement of circadian rhythm on CP.