Photoreceptors Regulating Circadian Behavior: A Mouse Model
Abstract
In the rd mouse the absence of rod cells and the progressive loss of cones does not result in a decrease in circadian phase shifting responses to light. By contrast, rd mice are unable to perform simple visual tasks. In addition, rodless transgenic mice, and mice homozygous for the rds mutation, show unattenuated circadian responses to light. Collectively these data suggest that cone cells lacking outer segments are sufficient to maintain normal circadian responses to light, or there may be some unidentified photoreceptor within the retina. An action spectrum for circadian responses to light in rd mice, and molecular analysis of retinally degenerate mice and blind mole rat eyes, suggests the involvement of a green cone opsin in mammalian photoentrainment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 14, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA285157
Entities
People
- Russell G. Foster
Organizations
- University of Virginia