Cited by 546Circadian rhythm and melatoninRetinal Development and DisordersVisual perception and processing mechanisms

Strange vision: ganglion cells as circadian photoreceptors

Berson, D·2003·Trends in Neurosciences

Abstract

A novel photoreceptor of the mammalian retina has recently been discovered and characterized. The novel cells differ radically from the classical rod and cone photoreceptors. They use a unique photopigment, most probably melanopsin. They have lower sensitivity and spatiotemporal resolution than rods or cones and they seem specialized to encode ambient light intensity. Most surprisingly, they are ganglion cells and, thus, communicate directly with the brain. These intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) help to synchronize circadian rhythms with the solar day. They also contribute to the pupillary light reflex and other behavioral and physiological responses to environmental illumination.

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Crossref · 10.1016/s0166-2236(03)00130-9

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  • Blue light has many physiologic effects but perhaps the most important among them is to entrain the circadian rhythm.

    “Thus, today it is understood that blue light has many physiologic effects but perhaps the most important among them is to entrain the circadian rhythm 5.”

    From The inner clock-Blue light sets the human rhythm (2019) · cites this paper as [5]

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Authors
Berson, D.
Affiliations
Brown University (US)
Corresponding author
Berson, D
Venue
Trends in Neurosciences
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2003-06
Volume
26
Issue
6
Pages
314-320
ISSN
0166-2236 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2004381001
Cited by
546
References
89
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 18 · 2022: 27 · 2021: 26 · 2020: 19 · 2019: 25 · 2018: 23 · 2017: 25 · 2016: 24 · 2015: 28 · 2014: 30 · 2013: 21 · 2012: 27
FWCI
10.01
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Trends in Neurosciences (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
National Eye Institute (R01EY012793)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Circadian rhythm and melatonin
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Retinal Development and Disorders
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Visual perception and processing mechanisms
Keywords
intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, circadian photoreceptors, melanopsin, circadian synchronization, pupillary light reflex, rod and cone photoreceptors, retinal photopigments
MeSH terms
Melanopsin, Animals, Circadian Rhythm, Synaptic Transmission, Photic Stimulation, Photoreceptor Cells, Retina, Retinal Ganglion Cells, Retinal Pigments, Rod Opsins, Mice, Rats, Light Signal Transduction

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