biostudies-literatureShang MNational Natural Science Foundation of China414https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC10104844biostudies-literatureUnknown6(1)Light exposure can profoundly affect neurological functions and behaviors. Here, we show that short-term exposure to moderate (400 lux) white light during Y-maze test promoted spatial memory retrieval and induced only mild anxiety in mice. This beneficial effect involves the activation of a circuit including neurons in the central amygdala (CeA), locus coeruleus (LC), and dentate gyrus (DG). Specifically, moderate light activated corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) positive (+) CeA neurons and induced the release of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) from their axon terminals ending in the LC. CRF then activated tyrosine hydroxylase-expressing LC neurons, which send projections to DG and release norepinephrine (NE). NE activated β-adrenergic receptors on CaMKIIα-expressing DG neurons, Communications biologyModerate white light exposure enhanced spatial memory retrieval by activating a central amygdala-involved circuit in mice.PMC101048445143700831671089Shen MHan QLi JHu YZhang JWang BXu RSun ZLiu YXing JGuan YOuYang DShang MHu JGuo GDu JfalseModerate white light exposure enhanced spatial memory retrieval by activating a central amygdala-involved circuit in mice.Light exposure can profoundly affect neurological functions and behaviors. Here, we show that short-term exposure to moderate (400 lux) white light during Y-maze test promoted spatial memory retrieval and induced only mild anxiety in mice. This beneficial effect involves the activation of a circuit including neurons in the central amygdala (CeA), locus coeruleus (LC), and dentate gyrus (DG). Specifically, moderate light activated corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) positive (+) CeA neurons and induced the release of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) from their axon terminals ending in the LC. CRF then activated tyrosine hydroxylase-expressing LC neurons, which send projections to DG and release norepinephrine (NE). NE activated β-adrenergic receptors on CaMKIIα-expressing DG neurons, 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z2023 Apr2025-04-04T23:00:47.221Z2025-04-04T23:00:47.221ZS-EPMC101048443705972910.1038/s42003-023-04765-7