Phototransduction for human melatonin suppression

J Pineal Res. 2002 May;32(4):209-13. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-079x.2002.01881.x.

Abstract

Human adult males were exposed to combinations of two illuminances and two broadband spectral power distributions over the course of four night-time sessions. Results showed that melatonin suppression is dominated by short visible wavelengths (420-520 nm), consistent with recently published studies. Although the authors of these recent studies suggest that a novel opsin underlies melatonin suppression, the present paper offers a more conservative interpretation of the data based on what is known about existing photoreceptors and associated neuroanatomy and neurophysiology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Light*
  • Male
  • Melatonin / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Melatonin / blood
  • Radioimmunoassay

Substances

  • Melatonin