title: A model of phototransduction by the human circadian system.
abstract: The absolute and spectral sensitivities to light by the human circadian system, measured through melatonin suppression or phase shifting response, are beginning to emerge after a quarter century of active research. The present paper outlines a hypothesized model of human circadian phototransduction that is consistent with the known neuroanatomy and physiology of the human visual and circadian systems. Spectral opponency is fundamental to the model, providing a parsimonious explanation of some recently published data. The proposed model offers a framework for hypothesis testing and subsequent discussion of the practical aspects of architectural lighting with respect to light and health.
authors.affiliation: Lighting Research Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 21 Union Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA. ream@roi.edu
authors.forename: Mark S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Rea
authors.forename: Mariana G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Figueiro
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Bullough
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bierman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D004594:Electrophysiology; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D055537:Light Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D008550:Melatonin / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D009445:Neuroanatomy
chemical_list: D008550:Melatonin