Melatonin decreases the amplitude of the b-wave of the human electroretinogram.
In a double-blind placebo crossover study of 13 healthy volunteers, the pineal hormone melatonin (10 mg) was given at 4 pm, and the electroretinogram measured under conditions of dark and light adaptation. A significant diminution of b-wave amplitude was found under both photopic (delta = 5.4 microV, p < 0.05) and scotopic conditions (delta = 7.4 microV, p < 0.01). These data indicate that melatonin may transduce the dark signal at the level of the retina as well as the pineal. Acute administration of melatonin decreases sensitivity to light.
Emser
W
W
Department of Neurology and Sleep Research, Centre for Psychobiology, University of Trier, Dillingen/Saar, Germany.
Dechoux
R
R
Weiland
M
M
Wirz-Justice
A
A
D000328:Adult; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004596:Electroretinography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012160:Retina / Q000187:drug effects*
D008550:Melatonin