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The absence of melanopsin alters retinal clock function and dopamine regulation by light
Lack of melanopsin changes the eye’s internal clock and how light controls dopamine
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Abstract
In wild-type mice, all clock genes are rhythmically expressed in the photoreceptor layer but not in the inner retina.
- Clock gene expressions in the outer retina are rhythmic, while those in the inner retina show no rhythmicity.
- For clock genes that have rhythmic expression in both retinal layers, their circadian profiles are out of phase.
- In melanopsin-knockout mice, there is a loss of clock gene rhythms and reduced light-induced expression of Per1-Per2 mRNAs in the outer retina.
- The absence of melanopsin disrupts the light-dependent increase of tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA and dopamine levels.
- Under constant darkness, melanopsin-knockout mice exhibit comparatively high levels of dopamine and tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA.
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