Possible ways of communication and synchronisation between neurons and astrocytes in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of Phodopus sungorus

Introduction: Each single neuron of the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) represents an autonomous pacemaker. Hence, communication and synchronisation between the neurons of the SCN is essential for a proper function of the endogenous clock. In this study we want to investigate how neurons and astrocytes in the SCN communicate and whether astrocytes play a role in the synchronisation of individual daily rhythms of single neurons. Methods: The SCN were removed from postnatal (P21-P28) Dsungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus), the tissue was prepared for cell culture and cells were cultivated on fibronectin-coated cover…