Light-dependent regulation and postnatal development of the interferon-gamma receptor in the rat suprachiasmatic nuclei

The interferon-gamma receptor gene was detected in the rat hypothalamic sup rachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), the main pacemaker for circadian rhythms, and th e molecular identity of the transcript was confirmed by sequencing. The exp ression of the receptor protein showed a daily rhythm that was dependent on light. It reached its adult pattern in the SCN between postnatal day 11 an d 20, i.e., at a time when capacity for photic entrainment of the pacemaker is established. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.