Melanopsin and inner retinal photoreception

作者：Bailes Helena J^*; Lucas Robert J

来源：Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 2010, 67(1): 99-111.

DOI：10.1007/s00018-009-0155-7

• Retina
• Ganglion cells
• Photoreception
• Circadian rhythms
• Opsin
• Photosensitivity

Over the last ten years there has been growing acceptance that retinal photoreception among mammals extends beyond rods and cones to include a small number of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). These ipRGCs are capable of responding to light in the absence of rod/cone input thanks to expression of an opsin photopigment called melanopsin. They are specialised for measuring ambient levels of light (irradiance) for a wide variety of so-called non-image-forming light responses. These include synchronisation of circadian clocks to light:dark cycles and the regulation of pupil size, sleep propensity and pineal melatonin production. Here, we provide a review of some of the landmark discoveries in this fast developing field, paying particular emphasis to recent findings and key areas for future investigation.

• 出版日期2010-1