Daily Profile in Melanopsin Transcripts Depends on Seasonal Lighting Conditions in the Rat Retina

Nov 16, 2007Journal of neuroendocrinology

Daily changes in light-sensitive proteins in the rat eye vary with seasons

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Abstract

Melanopsin mRNA expression peaked around dark onset and was influenced by light conditions, contrasting with AA-NAT mRNA behavior.

  • Both melanopsin and AA-NAT mRNA levels oscillated under varying light/dark cycles.
  • The expression of melanopsin was prolonged under long photoperiods, while AA-NAT expression duration decreased.
  • Constant darkness abolished the rhythm of melanopsin mRNA, but AA-NAT mRNA rhythm persisted.
  • Constant light conditions led to the loss of rhythmic expression for both melanopsin and AA-NAT.
  • Melanopsin gene regulation appears to be directly influenced by light rather than relying on a circadian clock.

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