Photic and circadian regulation of retinal melatonin.

超出所提供的空间。褪黑激素节律性在哺乳动物视网膜中的存在已被几个体内和体外研究所证实，但其在该组织中的合成和调节的许多方面仍然是模糊的。本研究计划的目标是鉴定合成褪黑激素的细胞类型，并阐明环境光和生物钟在调节哺乳动物视网膜中褪黑激素合成中的作用。第一个具体目标将测试锥状光感受器包含褪黑激素合成机制以及调节褪黑激素合成的昼夜节律钟组件的假设，第二个目标将测试视杆光感受器和/或视网膜内神经元包含驱动视锥中视网膜褪黑激素生物合成的昼夜节律钟的假设。最后，第三个目标将测试假设，即视锥细胞介导的视网膜褪黑激素的抑制，以下曝光夜间曝光。在我们的研究中，我们将使用广泛的新技术和先进的技术，如双原位杂交，定量真实的时间PCR和激光捕获解剖显微镜。视网膜褪黑激素参与视网膜生理学的几个方面的调节;因此，了解这种激素（神经调节剂）是如何调节的可能会提高我们对视网膜生理学和病理学的理解。现代生活方式极大地改变了我们每天暴露于光和黑暗中，因此了解这种暴露对生物体，特别是视网膜功能的影响很重要。性能现场=

EXCEED THE SPACE PROVIDED. The presence of melatonin rhythmicity in the retina of mammals has been demonstrated by several in vivo and in vitro studies, but many aspects of its synthesis and regulation in this tissue are still obscure. The goals of the present research proposal are to identify the cell type(s) that synthesizes melatonin and to elucidate the role of environmental light and of the circadian clock in regulating melatonin synthesis in the retina of mammals. The first specific aim will test the hypothesis that cone photoreceptors contain the melatonin synthesizing machinery as well as the circadian clock components to regulate it. The second aim will test the hypothesis that rod photoreceptors and/or inner retinal neurons contain the circadian clock(s) that drives retinal melatonin biosynthesis in cones. Finally, the third aim will test the hypothesis that cone photopigrnents mediate the suppression of retinal melatonin that follows exposure nocturnal exposure to light. In our research we will use a wide array of new and technologically advanced techniques such as dual in situ hybridization, quantitative real time PCR and Laser Capture Dissecting Microscopy. Retinal melatonin is involved in the modulation of several aspects of retinal physiology; thus the understanding of how this hormone (neuromodulator) is regulated will likely improve our understanding of retinal physiology and pathologies. Modem life style has tremendously changed our daily exposure to light and darkness and thus it is important to understand the effect that such exposure may have on the organism and, in particular, retinal function. PERFORMANCE SITE ========================================Section End===========================================