Authors: Beaulé, Christian¹; Robinson, Barry¹; Lamont, Elaine¹; Amir, Shimon²

Source: Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, Volume 21, Number 1, September 2003 , pp. 73-89(17)

Publisher: Humana Press

Abstract:

In mammals, circadian rhythms are generated by a light-entrainable oscillator located in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Light signals reach the SCN via a dedicated retinal pathway, the retinohypothalamic tract (RHT). One question that continues to elude scientists is whether the circadian system has its own dedicated photoreceptor or photoreceptors. It is well established that conventional photoreceptors, rods and cones, are not required for circadian photoreception, suggesting that the inner retinal layer might contribute to circadian photoreception. Melanopsin, a novel photo pigment expressed in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), has been proposed recently as a candidate circadian photoreceptor. Melanopsin-containing RGCs are intrinsically photosensitive, form part of the RHT, and contain neurotransmitters known to play a critical role in the circadian response to light. Furthermore, melanopsin-containing RGCs do not depend on inputs from rods and cones to transmit light signals to the SCN. However, based on a review of the available information about melanopsin and on new data from our laboratory, we propose that melanopsin, in itself, is not necessary for circadian photoreception. In fact, it appears that of the known photoreceptor systems, none, in and of itself, is necessary for circadian photoreception. Instead, it appears that within the photoreceptive systems there is some degree of redundancy, each contributing in some way to photic entrainment.

Keywords: Circadian rhythms; photoreceptors; photic entrainment

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1385/JMN:21:1:73

Affiliations: 1: Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, H3G 1M8, Montréal, QC, Canada, 2: Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, H3G 1M8, Montréal, QC, Canada, Email: amir@csbn.concordia.ca

Publication date: 2003-09-01

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