Light affects the prefrontal cortex via intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells.
Sci Adv
; 10(13): eadh9251, 2024 Mar 29.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38552022
ABSTRACT
The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is a part of the limbic system engaged in the regulation of social, emotional, and cognitive states, which are characteristically impaired in disorders of the brain such as schizophrenia and depression. Here, we show that intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) modulate, through light, the integrity, activity, and function of the vmPFC. This regulatory role, which is independent of circadian and mood alterations, is mediated by an ipRGC-thalamic-corticolimbic pathway. Lack of ipRGC signaling in mice causes dendritic degeneration, dysregulation of genes involved in synaptic plasticity, and depressed neuronal activity in the vmPFC. These alterations primarily undermine the ability of the vmPFC to regulate emotions. Our discovery provides a potential light-dependent mechanism for certain PFC-centric disorders in humans.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Células Ganglionares da Retina
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Encéfalo
Limite:
Animals
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Humans
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article