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Melatonin Suppression by Light in Humans Is More Sensitive Than Previously Reported.


ABSTRACT: The retina drives various non-image-forming photoresponses, including circadian photoentrainment and pupil constriction. Previous investigators showed that in humans, photic suppression of the clock-controlled hormone melatonin is most sensitive to 460-nm blue light, with a threshold of ~12 log photons cm(-2) s(-1). This threshold is surprising because non-image-forming vision is mediated by intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, which receive rod-driven synaptic input and can respond to light levels as low as ~7 log photons cm(-2) s(-1). Using a protocol that enhances data precision, we have found the threshold for human melatonin suppression to be ~10 log photons cm(-2) s(-1) at 460 nm. This finding has far-reaching implications since there is mounting evidence that nocturnal activation of the circadian system can be harmful.

SUBMITTER: Vartanian GV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4499476 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Melatonin Suppression by Light in Humans Is More Sensitive Than Previously Reported.

Vartanian Garen V GV   Li Benjamin Y BY   Chervenak Andrew P AP   Walch Olivia J OJ   Pack Weston W   Ala-Laurila Petri P   Wong Kwoon Y KY  

Journal of biological rhythms 20150527 4


The retina drives various non-image-forming photoresponses, including circadian photoentrainment and pupil constriction. Previous investigators showed that in humans, photic suppression of the clock-controlled hormone melatonin is most sensitive to 460-nm blue light, with a threshold of ~12 log photons cm(-2) s(-1). This threshold is surprising because non-image-forming vision is mediated by intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, which receive rod-driven synaptic input and can resp  ...[more]

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