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Updated: Aug 30, 2025

Author Spotlight: Hypothalamic Neural Mechanism Insights
Published on: August 4, 2023
Seasonal changes in day length induce multisynaptic neurotransmitter switching to regulate hypothalamic network
Alessandra Porcu1,2,3, Anna Nilsson1, Sathwik Booreddy1
1Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
Abstract:
Seasonal changes in day length (photoperiod) affect numerous physiological functions. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)-paraventricular nucleus (PVN) axis plays a key role in processing photoperiod-related information. Seasonal variations in SCN and PVN neurotransmitter expression have been observed in humans and animal models. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the SCN-PVN network responds to altered photoperiod is unknown. Here, we show in mice that neuromedin S (NMS) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) neurons in the SCN display photoperiod-induced neurotransmitter plasticity. In vivo recording of calcium dynamics revealed that NMS neurons alter PVN network activity in response to winter-like photoperiod. Chronic manipulation of NMS neurons is sufficient to induce neurotransmitter switching in PVN neurons and affects locomotor activity. Our findings reveal previously unidentified molecular adaptations of the SCN-PVN network in response to seasonality and the role for NMS neurons in adjusting hypothalamic function to day length via a coordinated multisynaptic neurotransmitter switching affecting behavior.
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