title: Melatonin modulates the ERG circadian rhythm in crayfish.
abstract: One of the most important functions modulated by melatonin is the synchronization of circadian rhythms. In crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), we have obtained evidence that the amplitude of the electrical response to light of the retinal photoreceptors the receptor potential, is modified by the action of melatonin and that the magnitude of this action depends on the circadian time of melatonin application. In contrast, the electroretinogram (ERG) circadian rhythm can be synchronized by either single or periodic melatonin application. In this work we hypothesized that, in crayfish, melatonin acts on effectors and on pacemaker of ERG circadian rhythm as a non-photic synchronizer. Melatonin could be a hormone that sends a signal of darkness to the ERG circadian system.
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., Mexico.
authors.forename: Héctor
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Solís-Chagoyán
authors.forename: Leonor
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mendoza-Vargas
authors.forename: Beatriz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fuentes-Pardo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003400:Astacoidea / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000187:drug effects*; D004596:Electroretinography / Q000662:veterinary; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008027:Light; D055537:Light Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D008550:Melatonin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D020419:Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D008550:Melatonin