A circadian pacemaker for visual sensitivity?
Visual signal detectability oscillates as a circadian rhythm, capable of free-running in constant conditions, and entrainment by external lighting schedules. These functions persist after lesioning of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), implicating a separate pacemaker for visual sensitivity. Its locus, physiology, and mode of interaction with the SCN have yet to be established.
D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003216:Conditioning, Operant; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D013493:Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / Q000502:physiology; D014785:Vision, Ocular / Q000502:physiology*