Phosphene phenomenon: a new concept.
This paper proposes a new biopsychophysical concept of phosphene phenomenon. Namely, visual sensation of phosphenes is due to the intrinsic perception of ultraweak bioluminescent photon emission of cells in the visual system. In other words, phosphenes are bioluminescent biophotons in the visual system induced by various stimuli (mechanical, electrical, magnetic, ionizing radiation, etc.) as well as random bioluminescent biophotons firings of cells in the visual pathway. This biophoton emission can become conscious if induced or spontaneous biophoton emission of cells in the visual system exceeds a distinct threshold. Neuronal biophoton communication can occur by means of non-visual neuronal opsins and natural photosensitive biomolecules. Our interpretation is in direct connection with the functional roles of free radicals and excited biomolecules in living cells.
Bókkon
István
I
PhD School in Pharmacology, Semmelweis University, Láng E. 68, H-1238 Budapest, Hungary. bokkoni@yahoo.com
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008164:Luminescent Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008959:Models, Neurological; D010719:Phosphenes / Q000502:physiology*; D017785:Photons; D014793:Visual Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D014795:Visual Pathways / Q000502:physiology*; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*
D008164:Luminescent Proteins