Gonadal Regression Assessment
Objective: Assess gonadal regression in animals with transplanted SCN grafts in the absence of light
Gather these items before starting the experiment. Check off items as you prepare.
Materials1
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Protocol Steps
SCN Lesion Creation
Create lesions of the hamster hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus to make animals arrhythmic
Note: This creates the baseline arrhythmic condition in recipient animals
View evidence from paper
“overt circadian rhythms are permanently disrupted following lesions of the hamster hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)”
SCN Graft Implantation
Implant brain grafts containing fetal SCN tissue into the lesioned adult hamsters
Note: Grafts should contain neuropeptides including VIP, NPY, and vasopressin for successful restoration
View evidence from paper
“implantations of brain grafts containing the fetal SCN reestablish circadian rhythms of locomotor activity in adult hamsters”
Gonadal Regression Assessment in Constant Darkness
Assess whether animals with restored locomotor rhythms show gonadal regression in the absence of light
Note: This is conducted in conditions of constant darkness to test whether the graft restores this SCN function
View evidence from paper
“animals with restored locomotor rhythms did not show gonadal regression in the absence of light”