Photoreception and Regulation of Systemic Physiological Functions
Light,as one of the most important external environmental factors,regulates a series of physiological activities.Mammals perceive environmental light mainly through three types of photoreceptor cells in the retina:cone cells,rod cells,and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells(ipRGCs).Among them,ipRGCs are particularly sensitive to blue light and can regulate circadian rhythms,sleep,metabolic homeostasis,mood,development,and higher cognitive functions.This paper reviews the discovery process,classification,and projections of ipRGCs to the brain.It focuses on the research progress of ipRGCs in regulating whole-body physiological functions through subcortical circuits,including circadian rhythms and sleep,metabolic homeostasis,mood,brain development and learning and memory,and the pupillary light reflex.Future research needs to further elucidate the physiological and pathological functions mediated by ipRGCs and the underlying neural circuit mechanisms,which will not only help understand how organisms adapt to the light environment but also provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of related diseases.
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