Chrono-neuropharmacology 1

Question 1

SCN (core/shell layout)

Answer 1

Core- sits on optic chiasm, receives retinal input (10,000 Ns)
Shell-receives input from core (10,000 Ns)
Shell (AVP), Core (VIP, GRP)

Question 2

Where is melatonin synthesised?

Answer 2

Pineal gland (by pinealocytes)

Question 3

Steps in melatonin synthesis

Answer 3

TRP -(TPH)-> 5-TRP -(AADD)-> 5-HT -(AA-NAT)-> NAS -(HIOMT)-> MEL

Question 4

How does day length affect melatonin secretion?

Answer 4

Melatonin secretion begins earlier, has a more well sustained peak and finishes later on shorter days

Question 5

+ve arm of the molecular clock

Answer 5

CLOCK and BMAL1

Question 6

-ve arm of the molecular clock

Answer 6

PERIOD and CRY

Question 7

Chronotypes

Answer 7

Most people are indifferent type (15-20% are larks, same for owls)

Question 8

Primary determinant of chronotype?

Answer 8

Age

Question 9

Which sex sleeps more?

Answer 9

Females

Question 10

Social jet lag

Answer 10

Is the misalignment of biological and social time, weekday sleep-debt can’t always be caught up on which can lead to chronic sleep loss

Question 11

Chronotype more likely to experience social jet lag?

Answer 11

Owls

Question 12

Social jet lag associated with…

Answer 12

…increased consumption of stimulants and a depressed mood