Circadian perinatal photoperiod has enduring effects on retinal dopamine and visual function

Visual system development depends on neural activity, driven by intrinsic and light-sensitive mechanisms. Here, we examined the effects on retinal function due to exposure to summer- and winter-like circadian light cycles during development and adulthood. Retinal light responses, visual behaviors, d...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of neuroscience 2014-03, Vol.34 (13), p.4627-4633
Main Authors: Jackson, Chad R, Capozzi, Megan, Dai, Heng, McMahon, Douglas G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepine - pharmacology
Animals
Animals, Newborn
Benzamides - pharmacology
Circadian Rhythm - physiology
Contrast Sensitivity - drug effects
Dopamine - metabolism
Dopamine Agonists - pharmacology
Embryo, Mammalian
Female
Gene Expression - drug effects
Gene Expression - radiation effects
Light
Male
Mice
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Nystagmus, Optokinetic - drug effects
Nystagmus, Optokinetic - physiology
Photoperiod
Piperazines - pharmacology
Pregnancy
Retina - drug effects
Retina - physiology
Time Factors
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Summary:Visual system development depends on neural activity, driven by intrinsic and light-sensitive mechanisms. Here, we examined the effects on retinal function due to exposure to summer- and winter-like circadian light cycles during development and adulthood. Retinal light responses, visual behaviors, dopamine content, retinal morphology, and gene expression were assessed in mice reared in seasonal photoperiods consisting of light/dark cycles of 8:16, 16:8, and 12:12 h, respectively. Mice exposed to short, winter-like, light cycles showed enduring deficits in photopic retinal light responses and visual contrast sensitivity, but only transient changes were observed for scotopic measures. Dopamine levels were significantly lower in short photoperiod mice, and dopaminergic agonist treatment rescued the photopic light response deficits. Tyrosine hydroxylase and Early Growth Response factor-1 mRNA expression were reduced in short photoperiod retinas. Therefore, seasonal light cycles experienced during retinal development and maturation have lasting influence on retinal and visual function, likely through developmental programming of retinal dopamine.
ISSN:0270-6474
1529-2401
DOI:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4887-13.2014