Clock Mutation Affects Blood Cell Rhythms
Author Information
Author(s): Oishi Katsutaka, Ohkura Naoki, Kadota Koji, Kasamatsu Manami, Shibusawa Kentaro, Matsuda Juzo, Machida Kazuhiko, Horie Shuichi, Ishida Norio
Primary Institution: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
Hypothesis
Is intact CLOCK protein required for circadian changes in peripheral blood cells?
Conclusion
The study suggests that the Clock mutation affects the daily profiles of circulating white and red blood cells, but intact CLOCK is not essential for generating these rhythms.
Supporting Evidence
- The number of total white blood cells fluctuated in a circadian pattern.
- The acrophase of the rhythm was delayed in Clock mutant mice.
- Plasma corticosterone levels peaked at different times in wild-type and Clock mutant mice.
- Anatomical examination revealed swollen red spleens in Clock mutant mice.
Takeaway
Mice with a specific gene mutation have different patterns of blood cells throughout the day compared to normal mice, showing that our body's internal clock helps control these patterns.
Methodology
The study examined circulating white and red blood cells in homozygous Clock mutant mice and evaluated plasma levels of corticosterone.
Participant Demographics
Mice were 8–10 weeks old.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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