ASIC1a affects hypothalamic signaling and regulates the daily rhythm of body temperature in mice

The body temperature of mice is higher at night than during the day. We show here that global deletion of acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) results in lower body temperature during a part of the night. ASICs are pH sensors that modulate neuronal activity. The deletion of ASIC1a decreased the voluntary activity at night of mice that had access to a running wheel but did not affect their spontaneous activity. Daily rhythms of thyrotropin-releasing hormone mRNA in the hypothalamus and of thyroid-stimulating hormone & beta; mRNA in the pituitary, and of prolactin mRNA in the hypothalamus and pituitary were suppressed in ASIC1a(-/-) mice. The serum thyroid hormone levels were however not significantly changed by ASIC1a deletion. Our findings indicate that ASIC1a regulates activity and signaling in the hypothalamus and pituitary. This likely leads to the observed changes in body temperature by affecting the metabolism or energy expenditure. Global deletion of acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) in mice leads to lower body temperature during a part of the night as well as changes in the daily rhythm of hypothalamic signaling.

Automated summary

Mice have higher body temperature at night than during the day. Deletion of ASIC1a results in lower body temperature during a portion of the night. ASICs are pH sensors that regulate neuronal activity. Deletion of ASIC1a reduces voluntary activity at night in mice with access to a running wheel, without affecting spontaneous activity. The daily rhythms of hormone mRNA in the hypothalamus and pituitary are suppressed in ASIC1a(-/-) mice, but serum thyroid hormone levels are not significantly changed. ASIC1a likely regulates activity and signaling in the hypothalamus and pituitary, influencing body temperature through metabolism or energy expenditure.