2013 Fiscal Year Final Research Report
Physiological significance of melatonin and its precursor in mammals
| Project/Area Number |
23687010
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Research Field |
Animal physiology/Animal behavior
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| Research Institution | The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research |
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Principal Investigator |
KASAHARA Takaoki 独立行政法人理化学研究所, 脳科学総合研究センター, 副チームリーダー (50344031)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2011-04-01 – 2014-03-31
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| Keywords | メラトニン / マウス / アセチルセロトニン / 松果体 |
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| Research Abstract |
To clarify the physiological role of melatonin, we developed melatonin-proficient, N-acetylserotonin (NAS; a precursor of melatonin)-proficient, and both-deficient B6 congenic mice. We examined the circadian rhythm-related behaviors in these mice and found no significant difference. Further, there is no dramatic differences in the life span was found in these mice. In behavioral analysis, we detected several significant difference in NAS+ mice, in particular; such as short immobility time in the tail suspension test and worse memory retention. It is possible to be explained by our immunohistochemical data showing enhanced neurogenesis in NAS+ mice.
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