›› 2014, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (9): 167-173.

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Role of Illumination in the Central Circadian Clocks Modulated Secretions of Melatonin and Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone

ZHOU Xu, YANG Hui-ming, CHEN Yao-xing, CAO Jing, DONG Yu-lan, WANG Zi-xu   

  1. College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
  • Received:2014-04-21 Online:2014-09-20 Published:2014-09-24

Abstract: Circadian clocks are comprised of the central circadian clock and peripheric circadian clock. The central circadian clock mainly locates in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of hypothalamus in the mammal, but also contains retina and pineal gland in the birds. The circadian clocks can be stimulated by environment and then modulate the physiologic activities, that many tissues, hormones and irritants are involved. This review will highlight the role of central circadian clocks in the secretions of melatonin in the pineal gland and gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) in the hypothalamus, and make a brief summary about the effect of the illumination in the procees.

Key words: central circadian clock; melatonin; gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH); illumination

CLC Number: