Melanopsin and rod-cone photoreceptive systems account for all major accessory visual functions in mice.

ABSTRACT: In the mammalian retina, besides the conventional rod-cone system, a melanopsin-associated photoreceptive system exists that conveys photic information for accessory visual functions such as pupillary light reflex and circadian photo-entrainment. On ablation of the melanopsin gene, retinal ganglion cells that normally express melanopsin are no longer intrinsically photosensitive. Furthermore, pupil reflex, light-induced phase delays of the circadian clock and period lengthening of the circadian rhythm in constant light are all partially impaired. Here, we investigated whether additional photoreceptive systems participate in these responses. Using mice lacking rods and cones, we measured the action spectrum for phase-shifting the circadian rhythm of locomotor behaviour. This spectrum matche

SUBMITTER: Hattar S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2885907 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature