Stimulation of reactive oxygen species production by an antidepressant visible light source.
BACKGROUND
The mechanism by which visible light stimulates chronobiological phase-shifting or antidepressant effects in humans is unknown.


METHODS
Normal human NIH/3T3 nonpigmented fibroblasts were irradiated with a visible light source (SunRay) used in the treatment of winter seasonal depression. Electron spin resonance was assessed before and after 10 min of illumination at 2 mW/cm(2) (illuminance of 3700 lux), with and without the presence of 5 microL of 0.0214 mg/mL vitamin C.


RESULTS
The fibroblasts showed evidence of production of reactive oxygen species after 10 min of irradiation.


CONCLUSIONS
These in vitro data establish that an antidepressant source of visible light is capable of inducing the production of reactive oxygen species in skin. Such species may participate in signal transduction pathways leading to mood changes.
Oren
D A
DA
Department of Psychiatry, DVA Connecticut Healthcare System and Yale School of Medicine, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, USA.
Charney
D S
DS
Lavie
R
R
Sinyakov
M
M
Lubart
R
R
D002460:Cell Line; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology; D003863:Depression / Q000378:metabolism*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D008027:Light; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism*; D016574:Seasonal Affective Disorder / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013997:Time Factors
D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species