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Photic Regulation of Circadian Rhythms and Voluntary Ethanol Intake: Role of Melanopsin-expressing Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells
Light’s influence on body clock and voluntary alcohol drinking: role of special light-sensitive eye cells
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Abstract
Mice with blocked melanopsin expression showed identical suppression of ethanol intake under both constant darkness and constant light.
- The study focused on the role of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in regulating voluntary ethanol intake.
- Previous findings indicated reduced ethanol consumption in mice under constant darkness and constant light compared to standard light-dark conditions.
- Mice with genetically blocked melanopsin expression exhibited decreased circadian photosensitivity.
- Despite the reduced photosensitivity, ethanol intake suppression remained consistent, indicating independence from melanopsin-expressing ipRGCs.
- The results suggest that the influence of lighting on ethanol intake is likely mediated by classical retinal photoreceptors and central pathways.
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