Circadian Clock in Culture: <i>N</i> -Acetyltransferase Activity of Chick Pineal Glands Oscillates in Vitro

Abstract

N-Acetyltransferase activity was measured in organ-cultured chick pineal glands. A circadian rhythm of enzyme activity persisted in cultured glands for up to 4 days. The phase of the rhythm in vitro closely approximates its phase in vivo. These observations demonstrate that the pineal gland of chicks contains (or is) a self-sustained circadian oscillator.