The NASA Task Book

Responsible Center: NSBRI Grant Monitor: Center Contact: Unique ID: 2689	Solicitation / Funding Source: NSBRI Grant/Contract No.: NCC 9-58-HPF00207 Project Type: Ground Flight Program: TechPort: No	No. of Post Docs: 0 No. of PhD Candidates: 0 No. of Master's Candidates: 0 No. of Bachelor's Candidates: 0	No. of PhD Degrees: 1 No. of Master's Degrees: 0 No. of Bachelor's Degrees: 0

Human Research Program Elements:	None

Human Research Program Risks:	None

Human Research Program Gaps:	None

Task Description:	This project sought to investigate the relationship between the vestibular system and circadian rhythmicity at a behavioral and anatomical level. The logic for the project was based upon suggestions that the medial vestibular nucleus (MVe) might connect with the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) of the circadian system. Specific aims were devoted to optokinetic visual manipulations in an attempt to induce illusionary distortions of the vestibular system that might mimic non-photic stimuli known to modify circadian rhythm phase. These studies were unsuccessful. However, the project also addressed anatomical issues related to connectivity between the circadian and vestibular systems. These studies yielded three large paper and an extremely important result, namely, they demonstrate the convergence of three brain networks, hitherto considered substantially separate. In particular, the IGL has extremely widespread interconnections with much of the subcortical brain which are generally bilateral and reciprocal. Many of the areas with which the IGL is connected also receive vestibular input and/or project to the MVe. Finally, the data demonstrate that many of the regions connected to both the MVe and IGL are also recipients of projections from the hypocretin-containing, sleep regulation system. It is likely that, in some fashion, the IGL contributes to the regulation of rapid eye movements during sleep.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits:	The anatomical results have enormous implications for the study of sleep, vestibular and circadian systems and how they interact.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2005

Task Progress:

We have completed anatomical studies demonstrating linkages between the sleep, circadian and vestibular systems. We have determined that it is unlikely that visual activation of the vestibular system alters circadian rhythm phase.

Bibliography:

Description: (Last Updated: 02/27/2004)

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Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals	Horowitz, S. S., J. H. Blanchard, and L. P. Morin "Intergeniculate leaflet and ventral lateral geniculate nucleus afferent connections: an anatomical substrate for functional input from the vestibulo-visuomotor system. Journal of Comparative Neurology" 227-245 , Jan-2005

Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals	Horowitz, S. S., J. H. Blanchard, and L. P. Morin "Medial vestibular connections with the hypocretin (orexin) system. Journal of Comparative Neurology" 127-146 , Jan-2005

Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals	Morin, L. P. and J. H. Blanchard "Descending projections of the intergeniculate leaflet: relationship to the sleep/arousal and visuomotor systems. Journal of Comparative Neurology" 204-216 , Jan-2005

Presentation	Morin, L. P. "Seeing the brain through the circadian visual system. " Apr-2005

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Project Title: Circadian and vestibular system relationships

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Fiscal Year: FY 2004
Division: Human Research
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP :

Start Date: 07/01/2001
End Date: 10/31/2004
Task Last Updated: 03/29/2006

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Principal Investigator/Affiliation: Morin, Lawrence P Ph.D. / SUNY- The State University of New York

Address:

Health Science Center
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook , NY 11794-8101

Email: lmorin@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
Phone: 631-444-1613
Congressional District: 1
Web:

Organization Type: UNIVERSITY
Organization Name: SUNY- The State University of New York
Joint Agency:
Comments:

Project Information: Grant/Contract No. NCC 9-58-HPF.002.07

Responsible Center: NSBRI Grant Monitor: Center Contact: Unique ID: 2689	Solicitation / Funding Source: NSBRI Grant/Contract No.: NCC 9-58-HPF.002.07 Project Type: Ground Flight Program: TechPort: No	No. of Post Docs: 1 No. of PhD Candidates: 0 No. of Master's Candidates: 0 No. of Bachelor's Candidates: 0	No. of PhD Degrees: No. of Master's Degrees: No. of Bachelor's Degrees:

Human Research Program Elements:	None

Human Research Program Risks:	None

Human Research Program Gaps:	None

Task Description:	Experiments involving basic rodent neuroanatomy are being conducted. Experiments designed to evaluate gene expression induced in the circadian rhythm system by vestibular stimulation are being conducted. Experiments designed to evaluate vestibular system contribution to circadian rhythm phase control are being conducted.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits:	Our anatomical investigations regarding all areas projecting to the IGL are highly novel. It remains to be seen what will occur in the research domain. However, it is highly likely that the IGL is involved in the regulation of eye movements or something similar. Therefore, the IGL is likely to take a place, along with the superior colliculus, as a major contributor to the control of the vestibular occular reflex or the control of nausea during conditions of vestibular-ocular upset.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2004

Task Progress:

No progress report this period.

Bibliography:

Description: (Last Updated: 02/27/2004)

Show Cumulative Bibliography

None in FY 2004

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