Evidence for the involvement of the visual system in mediating magnetic field effects on pineal melatonin synthesis in the rat
Brain ResearchPublished 1 May 1985
James Olcese, Stefan Reuss, Lutz Vollrath
Citations120
SJR quartileQ2
SJR score0.85
SNIP0.72
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TL;DR
Data point to a retinal magnetosensitivity which may serve to modulate pineal gland function as well as direct effects on mammalian pineal function via retinal disturbances via magnetic field effects.
Abstract
In order to elucidate whether magnetic field effects on mammalian pineal function are direct, or instead indirect via retinal disturbances, acutely blinded and intact male rats were subjected to a single nocturnal magnetic stimulus. Then pineal N-acetyltransferase activity and melatonin content were assayed. Only in intact animals did the magnetic stimulus significantly reduce pineal activity, i.e. no effects were detected in blinded animals. These data point to a retinal magnetosensitivity which may serve to modulate pineal gland function.
Keywords
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