Melanopsin photoreception in the eye regulates light-induced skin colour changes through the production of α-MSH in the pituitary gland.

摘要: How skin colour adjusts to circadian light/dark cycles is poorly understood. Melanopsin (Opn4) expressed in melanophores, where vitro studies suggest it regulates pigmentation through a 'primary response' which light photosensitivity translated directly into pigment movement. However, the entrainment of rhythm regulated by population melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells (mRGCs) eye. Therefore, vivo, melanopsin may trigger 'secondary initiated eye and controlled neuro-endocrine system. We analysed expression opn4m opn4x melanin aggregation induced (background adaptation) Xenopus laevis embryos. While are at early developmental times, light-induced requires become functional. Pharmacological inhibition suggests model whereby mRGC activation lightens via secondary response involving negative regulation alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) secretion pituitary.