Spectral sensitivity of melatonin suppression in the zebrafish pineal gland

The spectral sensitivity of melatonin suppression in zebrafish pineal glands shows the most efficient response to light around 512 nm.

• Melatonin production in zebrafish pineal glands is rhythmic, peaking at night and dropping during the day.
• Nocturnal light exposure acutely suppresses melatonin synthesis in photoreceptor cells.
• Exposure to seven wavelengths of light revealed multiple photopigments are likely involved in melatonin suppression.
• The action spectrum indicates a peak sensitivity at 512 nm, with additional sensitivity at middle to long wavelengths.
• Opsin analysis shows expression of exo-rhodopsin and visual red-sensitive opsin in the pineal gland, while other visual opsins are absent.
• Dartnall monograms for the identified opsins explain most spectral sensitivity, suggesting additional photopigments may also play a role.

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