PERFORATED patch clamp recordings of neurons in slices of the suprachiasmat
ic nucleus (SCN) were made in their subjective day and night phases. The sp
ontaneous firing rate and input resistance were significantly higher during
the subjective day as compared to the subjective night. Ln parallel, the m
embrane potential of neurons recorded at daytime was significantly more dep
olarized than at nighttime. The day-night differences in membrane potential
and input resistance were maintained when spikes and GABAA receptor-mediat
ed transmission were blocked by tetrodotoxin and bicuculline, suggesting a
cell-autonomous regulation of the circadian modulation of membrane properti
es. In conclusion, these findings suggest that at least one hyperpolarizing
ionic conductance would be open at night and closed during mid-day, when s
pontaneous firing reaches peak levels in the SCN. NeuroReport 9: 3725-3729
(C) 1998 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.