title: Introduction: circadian rhythm and its disruption: impact on reproductive function.
abstract: Almost all forms of life have predictable daily or circadian rhythms in molecular, endocrine, and behavioral functions. In mammals, a central pacemaker located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei coordinates the timing of these rhythms. Daily light exposure that affects the retina of the eye directly influences this area, which is required to align endogenous processes to the appropriate time of day. The present "Views and Reviews" articles discuss the influence of circadian rhythms, especially nightly secretion of melatonin, on reproductive function and parturition. In addition, an examination is made of problems that arise from recurrent circadian rhythm disruption associated with changes in light exposure patterns common to modern day society. Finally, a possible solution to prevent disruptions in circadian phase markers by filtering out short wavelengths from nocturnal light is reviewed.
authors: Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: casper@lunenfeld.ca.
authors: Robert F
authors: RF
authors: Casper
authors: Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Bojana
authors: B
authors: Gladanac
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D057906:Circadian Clocks / Q000528:radiation effects*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000528:radiation effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000378:metabolism; D036801:Parturition / Q000528:radiation effects; D017440:Photoperiod; D011247:Pregnancy; D012098:Reproduction / Q000528:radiation effects; D020178:Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013493:Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D013997:Time Factors; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance
chemical_list: D008550:Melatonin; D006854:Hydrocortisone
keywords: Circadian rhythm; clock genes; melatonin; reproduction; shift-work