Melanopsin-Containing Retinal Ganglion Cells: Architecture, Projections, and Intrinsic Photosensitivity

Feb 9, 2002Science (New York, N.Y.)

Structure, connections, and light sensitivity of special eye cells that detect light

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Abstract

Melanopsin is present in the cell bodies and dendrites of a specific subset of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs).

  • Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are implicated in the process of photoentrainment of the circadian clock.
  • Phototransducing RGCs may utilize melanopsin as their visual pigment.
  • The presence of melanopsin was confirmed by cloning and antibody generation in rat RGCs.
  • Beta-galactosidase-positive RGC axons were observed projecting to the suprachiasmatic nucleus and other brain areas related to circadian functions.
  • RGCs that displayed intrinsic photosensitivity consistently expressed melanopsin.

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