Circadian clock functions localized in xenopus retinal photoreceptors. Neuron 1993 Apr;10(4):573-7
Date
04/01/1993Pubmed ID
8476609DOI
10.1016/0896-6273(93)90160-sScopus ID
2-s2.0-0027288563 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 287 CitationsAbstract
A circadian oscillator that regulates visual function is located somewhere within the vertebrate eye. To determine whether circadian rhythmicity is generated by retinal photoreceptors, we isolated and cultured photoreceptor layers from Xenopus retina. On average, 94% of the viable cells in these preparations were rod or cone photoreceptors. Photoreceptor layers produced melatonin rhythmically, with an average period of 24.3 hr, in constant darkness. The phase of the melatonin rhythm was reset by in vitro exposure of the photoreceptor layers to cycles of either light or quinpirole, a D2 dopamine receptor agonist. These data indicate that other parts of the eye are not necessary for generation or entrainment of retinal circadian melatonin rhythms and suggest that rod and/or cone photoreceptors are circadian clock cells.
Author List
Cahill GM, Besharse JCAuthor
Joseph C. Besharse PhD, MA Emeritus Professor in the Cell Biology Neurobiology and Anatomy department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AnimalsCircadian Rhythm
Culture Techniques
Darkness
Male
Melatonin
Periodicity
Photoreceptor Cells
Retina
Time Factors
Xenopus
