title: Melatonin decreases the amplitude of the b-wave of the human electroretinogram.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology and Sleep Research, Centre for Psychobiology, University of Trier, Dillingen/Saar, Germany.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Emser
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dechoux
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weiland
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wirz-Justice
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D008550:Melatonin