Circadian rhythm

Neuroscience

Light effects on circadian rhythm

Biology

Kisspeptin

Endocrinology

Nucleus

Hypothalamus

Acoustics

Lactation

Genetics

Physics

Arcuate nucleus

Circadian clock

Suprachiasmatic nucleus

Internal medicine

Rhythm

Electroencephalography

Medicine

Premovement neuronal activity

Wakefulness

Period (music)

Pregnancy

Current Biology

Successful reproduction in female mammals is precisely timed and must be able to withstand the metabolic demand of pregnancy and lactation. We show that kisspeptin-expressing neurons in the arcuate hypothalamus (Kiss1ARH) of female mice control the daily timing of food intake, along with the circadian regulation of locomotor activity, sleep, and core body temperature. Toxin-induced silencing of Kiss1ARH neurons shifts wakefulness and food consumption to the light phase and induces weight gain. Toxin-silenced mice are less physically active and have attenuated temperature rhythms. Because the rhythm of the master clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) appears to be intact, we hypothesize that Kiss1ARH neurons signal to neurons downstream of the master clock to modulate the output of the SCN. We conclude that, in addition to their well-established role in regulating fertility, Kiss1ARH neurons are a critical component of the hypothalamic circadian oscillator network that times overt rhythms of physiology and behavior.

Kisspeptin Neurons in the Arcuate Nucleus of the Hypothalamus Orchestrate Circadian Rhythms and Metabolism