Exposure to Artificial Light at Night Alters Ultradian Rhythms in Endothelial Function
James C Walton1,2, O Hecmarie Meléndez-Fernández1,2, A Courtney DeVries1,2
1Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.
Introduction:
Endogenous biological timing mechanisms are fundamental aspects of living cells, tissues, and organisms. Virtually every aspect of physiology and behavior is mediated by self-sustaining circadian clocks, which depend on light to synchronize with the external daily environment. However, exposure to artificial light at night (ALAN) can impair temporal adaptations and affect health and disease.
Methods:
During a study of the effects of long-term ALAN exposure on cardiovascular function, we serendipitously detected ultradian rhythms in muscarinic receptor dependent relaxation of isolated aortic tissue.
Results And Conclusion:
Mice exposed to dark nights displayed an ultradian pattern of maximum endothelial-dependent relaxation that was antiphase between the sexes. Rhythmic patterns of relaxation were abolished by ALAN exposure in both sexes suggesting that ALAN exposure can affect ultradian rhythms in physiology and behavior.
More Related Videos
11:56In Vitro Bioluminescence Assay to Characterize Circadian Rhythm in Mammary Epithelial Cells
Published on: September 28, 2017
10:11Fundus Photography as a Convenient Tool to Study Microvascular Responses to Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Epidemiological Studies
Published on: October 22, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
