Abstract

The photoreceptor system that transduces light stimuli for neuro- endocrine, circadian, and therapeutic effects of light is unknown. The overall aim of this research is to determine the receptor mechanism that mediates these biological and therapeutic effects of light. To achieve this aim, an action spectrum (the relative effectiveness of different wave lengths for eliciting a biological response) will be established to help identify the photoreceptor system for light regulation of the hormone melatonin in humans. This action spectrum may then be used as a tool for investigating the action spectrum and related photoreceptor system involved in circadian regulation and light therapy.
The specific aim of the proposed research is to determine an action spectrum for light-induced plasma melatonin suppression using 8 monochromatic wavelengths (10mm half-peak bandwidths) between 400 to 760 NM. The effects of these wavelengths on the acute suppression of melatonin will be studied in normal volunteers. fluence-response curves covering a 5 log unit photon density range from 10<14> to 10<19> photons/cm<2> at the level of the corneal will be established for each wavelength. an action spectrum will be constructed by plotting the reciprocal of the half-saturation stimulus (sigma<-1>) from each of the 8 wavelengths tested. This action spectrum will clarify the range and peak sensitivity of the receptor system that transmits photic stimuli to the human neuroendocrine and circadian system.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
3R01NS036590-03S2
Application #
6474801
Study Section
Visual Sciences C Study Section (VISC)
Program Officer
Nichols, Paul L
Project Start
1997-04-01
Project End
2001-09-30
Budget Start
1999-04-01
Budget End
2001-09-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$50,000
Indirect Cost

  Institution

Name
Thomas Jefferson University
Department
Neurology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
061197161
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19107

  Publications

Bullock, B; Murray, G; Anderson, J L et al. (2017) Constraint is associated with earlier circadian phase and morningness: Confirmation of relationships between personality and circadian phase using a constant routine protocol. Pers Individ Dif 104:69-74
Klerman, Hadassa; St Hilaire, Melissa A; Kronauer, Richard E et al. (2012) Analysis method and experimental conditions affect computed circadian phase from melatonin data. PLoS One 7:e33836
Gooley, Joshua J; Chamberlain, Kyle; Smith, Kurt A et al. (2011) Exposure to room light before bedtime suppresses melatonin onset and shortens melatonin duration in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 96:E463-72
Gooley, Joshua J; Rajaratnam, Shantha M W; Brainard, George C et al. (2010) Spectral responses of the human circadian system depend on the irradiance and duration of exposure to light. Sci Transl Med 2:31ra33
Dean 2nd, Dennis A; Forger, Daniel B; Klerman, Elizabeth B (2009) Taking the lag out of jet lag through model-based schedule design. PLoS Comput Biol 5:e1000418
Brainard, George C; Sliney, David; Hanifin, John P et al. (2008) Sensitivity of the human circadian system to short-wavelength (420-nm) light. J Biol Rhythms 23:379-86
Zeitzer, Jamie M; Duffy, Jeanne F; Lockley, Steven W et al. (2007) Plasma melatonin rhythms in young and older humans during sleep, sleep deprivation, and wake. Sleep 30:1437-43
Zaidi, Farhan H; Hull, Joseph T; Peirson, Stuart N et al. (2007) Short-wavelength light sensitivity of circadian, pupillary, and visual awareness in humans lacking an outer retina. Curr Biol 17:2122-8
Hanifin, John P; Brainard, George C (2007) Photoreception for circadian, neuroendocrine, and neurobehavioral regulation. J Physiol Anthropol 26:87-94
Lockley, Steven W; Evans, Erin E; Scheer, Frank A J L et al. (2006) Short-wavelength sensitivity for the direct effects of light on alertness, vigilance, and the waking electroencephalogram in humans. Sleep 29:161-8

Showing the most recent 10 out of 23 publications