Cited by 277Circadian rhythm and melatoninSleep and Wakefulness ResearchLight effects on plants

Wavelength-dependent modulation of brain responses to a working memory task by daytime light exposure

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Vandewalle, G., Gais, S., Schabus, M., Balteau, E., Carrier, J., Darsaud, A., Sterpenich, V., Albouy, G. +2 more·2007·Cerebral Cortex

Abstract

In addition to classical visual effects, light elicits nonvisual brain responses, which profoundly influence physiology and behavior. These effects are mediated in part by melanopsin-expressing light-sensitive ganglion cells that, in contrast to the classical photopic system that is maximally sensitive to green light (550 nm), is very sensitive to blue light (470-480 nm). At present, there is no evidence that blue light exposure is effective in modulating nonvisual brain activity related to complex cognitive tasks. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we show that, while participants perform an auditory working memory task, a short (18 min) daytime exposure to blue (470 nm) or green (550 nm) monochromatic light (3 x 10(13) photons/cm2/s) differentially modulates regional brain responses. Blue light typically enhanced brain responses or at least prevented the decline otherwise observed following green light exposure in frontal and parietal cortices implicated in working memory, and in the thalamus involved in the modulation of cognition by arousal. Our results imply that monochromatic light can affect cognitive functions almost instantaneously and suggest that these effects are mediated by a melanopsin-based photoreceptor system.

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  1. Talairach J, Tournoux P. 1988. Co-planar steriotaxic atlas of the human brain. New-York: Thieme.

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Authors
Vandewalle, G., Gais, S., Schabus, M., Balteau, E., Carrier, J., Darsaud, A., Sterpenich, V., Albouy, G., Dijk, D. J., & Maquet, P.
Affiliations
  • University of Liège (BE)
  • Université de Montréal (CA)
  • University of Surrey (GB)
Venue
Cerebral Cortex
Published
2007-04-02
Volume
17
Issue
12
Pages
2788-2795
ISSN
  • 1047-3211 (ISSN-L)
  • 1460-2199
OpenAlex
W2105604325
Cited by
277
References
57
Citations by year
2026: 18 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 27 · 2023: 20 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 22 · 2020: 16 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 15 · 2017: 16 · 2016: 16 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 19 · 2013: 15 · 2012: 11
FWCI
3.81
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Cerebral Cortex (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Open Research (University of Surrey) (submittedVersion)
  • Surrey Research Insight Open Access (The University of Surrey) (submittedVersion)
  • Lirias (KU Leuven) (submittedVersion)
  • ORBi (University of Liège) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Funders
Wellcome Trust (GR069714MA)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Circadian rhythm and melatonin
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Sleep and Wakefulness Research
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Light effects on plants
Keywords
blue light, green light, melanopsin, working memory, monochromatic light, thalamus, frontal cortex, parietal cortex, arousal, cognitive modulation
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Physiological, Adolescent, Adult, Attention, Cerebral Cortex, Circadian Rhythm, Cognition, Female, Humans, Light, Male, Memory, Short-Term, Photic Stimulation, Radiation Dosage, Sunlight

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