Preliminary evidence for spectral opponency in the suppression of melatonin by light in humans.
Human adult males were exposed to light from blue light emitting diodes (18 lux; 29 microW/cm) and from clear mercury vapor lamps (450 lux; 170 microW/cm) during night-time experimental sessions. Both conditions suppressed nocturnal melatonin concentrations in blood plasma with the blue light more effective than mercury at melatonin suppression. No additive model incorporating opsin photopigments either alone or in combination could explain the results, but a model incorporating an opponent mechanism was consistent with the present data as well as data from previously published studies.
Figueiro
Mariana G
MG
Lighting Research Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 21 Union Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
Bullough
John D
JD
Parsons
Robert H
RH
Rea
Mark S
MS
D000328:Adult; D012634:Bodily Secretions / Q000528:radiation effects*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D008029:Lighting; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D008959:Models, Neurological; D010786:Photoreceptor Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D012165:Retinal Ganglion Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D017299:Rod Opsins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D000099210:Melanopsin
D008550:Melatonin; D017299:Rod Opsins; D000099210:Melanopsin