Endocrine Abstracts

Endogenous biological rhythms are commonplace throughout the natural world and can be broadly categorised as being ultradian (period <24-h), circadian (period of ~24-h), or infradian (period >24-h). Circadian rhythms have been studied in detail in mammalian species, including humans. These rhythms are driven by cell autonomous clocks found in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus and also throughout the rest of the body. Circadian clocks influence the bo...

Multiple aspects of physiology and pathophysiology, including endocrine function, are influenced by endogenous circadian timing mechanisms. In mammals, cell autonomous clocks are present in all major tissues throughout the body. These clocks are synchronised via complex signalling pathways and are believed to drive local aspects of physiology.Recently published data have revealed 24-h rhythms in up to 20% of the adipose transcriptome, suggesting profound...