[Mode of action of light and its significance for health].
Light hitting the eye affects the body via the neurons forming the brain's central clock as well as by a mechanism mediated by photophilic and photophobic molecules. Light has an effect on behavior, sleep-wake pattern, state of mental alertness and mood. Because the body's internal clocks are pacing cell division, metabolism, hormone secretion, production of neurotransmitters and neurotrophins, elucidation of light's mode of action and other factors affecting internal clocks may provide novel aspects to many disorders within various fields of medicine.
Englund
Ani
A
Kansanterveyslaitos, Mielenterveyden ja Alkoholitutkimuksen Osasto, Helsinki.
Partonen
Timo
T
D001683:Biological Clocks / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light