| Autor: |
Bernard, M, Guerlotte, J, Cogne, M, Greve, P, Collin, J P, Voisin, P |
| Zdroj: |
Biochemical Journal; March 1993, Vol. 290 Issue: 3 p661-664, 4p |
| Abstrakt: |
The indolic hormone melatonin is produced by the pineal gland according to a daily rhythm. The terminal step of melatonin synthesis is catalysed by hydroxyindole O-methyltransferase (HIOMT, EC 2.1.1.4). Adaptation to constant light or darkness modifies HIOMT activity and concentration. Using a cDNA probe encoding HIOMT, we investigated the effect of environmental lighting on HIOMT gene expression in the chicken pineal gland. HIOMT mRNA levels increased by 100% in constant light as compared with constant darkness. In addition, the present study disclosed the existence of a day/night rhythm of HIOMT gene transcription, with 3-fold higher mRNA levels at midday than at midnight. This transcriptional rhythm was not accompanied by day/night changes in HIOMT concentration, probably due to a slow turnover of this protein. Unexpected darkness did not prevent the daytime rise in HIOMT mRNA levels, whereas unexpected light prevented the night-time fall in HIOMT mRNA levels. Together, the data would suggest that the day/night rhythm of HIOMT gene transcription in the chicken pineal gland involves both a response to light and the activity of a biological oscillator. |
| Databáze: |
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