Transcriptional and cell type profiles of cortical brain regions showing ultradian cortisol rhythm dependent responses to emotional face stimulation

The characteristic endogenous circadian rhythm of plasma glucocorticoid concentrations is made up from an underlying ultradian pulsatile secretory pattern. Recent evidence has indicated that this ultradian cortisol pulsatility is crucial for normal emotional response in man. In this study, we investigate the anatomical transcriptional and cell type signature of brain regions sensitive to a loss of ultradian rhythmicity in the context of emotional processing. We combine human cell type and transcriptomic atlas data of high spatial resolution with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. We show that the loss of cortisol ultradian rhythm alters emotional processing response in cortical brain areas that are characterized by transcriptional and cellular profiles of GABAergic function. We find that two previously identified key components of rapid non-genomic GC signaling - the ANXA1 gene and retrograde endocannabinoid signaling - show top differential expression and the most significant enrichment. Our results further indicate that specific cell types, including a specific NPY-expressing GABAergic neuronal cell type, and specific G protein signaling cascades underly the cerebral effects of a loss of ultradian cortisol rhythm. Our results provide a biological mechanistic underpinning of our fMRI findings, indicating specific cell types and cascades as a target for manipulation in future experimental studies.

CIRCADE RHYTHMS OF PINCHUK'S GOBY PONTICOLA CEPHALARGOIDES (PINCHUK, 1976) IN LABORATORY CONDITIONS

Introduction. Circadian rhythms help the body to anticipate changes in environmental conditions and adapt to the daily fluctuations of external factors. The presence of such mechanisms, which provide early preparation of the organism, gives an advantage in the struggle for survival. The dynamics of light is one of the main factors, which determines the level of growth, development, nutrition, metabolism, affects hormonal activity. Aim. The aim of the study was to study the circadian rhythms of motor activity of Pinchuk's goby Ponticola cephalargoides (Pinchuk, 1976) in the laboratory. Methods. To study the activity of the fish individuals of the Pinchuk's goby caught in the Gulf of Odesa on a fishing rod were selected. The experiments were performed in an aquarium with two lighting options – under natural light and in the complete round-the-clock absence of lighting. Measurements of the fish activity were recorded at 1 hour intervals for 5 days. Results. The study revealed that the activity in constant darkness is generally lower than in the natural light. In both cases, the maximum value of the motor activity occurs in the first half of the day. Under the natural light, the activity of the Pinchuk's goby reaches the maximum value from 06:00 to 07:00, in constant darkness the activity reaches the maximum from 07:00 to 08:00. The difference in the activity of the fish between the two lighting modes is most noticeable from 16:00 to 22:00. Conclusion. It is established that the activity of Pinchuk's goby is cyclical both under the natural light conditions and in the absence of light. From 00:00 to 16:00 Pinchuk's goby has an endogenous circadian rhythm, from 16:00 to 22:30 the rhythm is exogenous.

Treatment of Circadian Rhythm Sleep–Wake Disorders

: Circadian rhythm sleep–wake disorders (CRSWDs) are a distinct class of sleep disorders caused by alterations to the circadian time-keeping system, its entrainment mechanisms, or a mismatch between the endogenous circadian rhythm and the external environment. The main clinical manifestations are insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness that often lead to clinically meaningful distress or cause mental, physical, social, occupational, educational, or other functional impairment. CRSWDs are easily mistaken for insomnia or early waking up, resulting in inappropriate treatment. CRSWDs can be roughly divided into two categories, namely, intrinsic CRSWDs, in which sleep disturbances are caused by alterations to the endogenous circadian rhythm system due to chronic changes in the regulation or capture mechanism of the biological clock; and extrinsic circadian rhythm sleep–wake disorders, in which sleep disorders, such as jet lag or shift-work disorder, result from environmental changes that cause a mismatch between sleep–wakefulness times and internal circadian rhythms. Sleep diaries, actigraphy, and determination of day and night phase markers (dim light melatonin onset and core body temperature minimum) have all become routine diagnostic methods for CRSWDs. Common treatments for CRSWD currently include sleep health education, time therapy, light therapy, melatonin, and hypnotic drug therapy. Here, we review the progress in the epidemiology, etiology, diagnostic evaluation, diagnostic criteria, and treatment of intrinsic CRSWD, with emphasis on the latter, in the hope of bolstering the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CRSWDs.