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Action of Light on the Neuroendocrine Axis

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Neuroendocrine Clocks and Calendars

Part of the book series: Masterclass in Neuroendocrinology ((MANEURO,volume 10))

Abstract

Photoentrainment of the circadian clock located in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is fundamental for the stable regulation of neuroendocrine function underlying physiological functions such as metabolism, sleep, immune responses, and reproduction. Masking by light directly suppresses melatonin secretion independent of the circadian system, with impact on several neuroendocrine axes. This chapter describes recent findings in anatomy and physiology on how light mediates its effects on SCN-regulated timing of the neuroendocrine system, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and melatonin and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) secretion. In modern societies, artificial light at night (ALAN) seems to affect circadian and neuroendocrine systems, and should be considered in the understanding the health problems of the industrialized human population.

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Recommended Further Reading

  • Do MT, Yau KW (2010) Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells. Physiol Rev 90(4):1547–1581. A small population of retinal ganglion cells in the mammalian eye that express a unique visual pigment called melanopsin. This review describes the anatomy and physiology of this remarkable system.

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  • Golombek DA, Rosenstein RE (2010) Physiology of circadian entrainment. Physiol Rev 90(3):1063–1102. This paper reviews the anatomy and physiology of the circadian timing system in mammals.

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  • Kalsbeek A, Palm IF, La Fleur SE, Scheer FA, Perreau-Lenz S, Ruiter M et al (2006) SCN outputs and the hypothalamic balance of life. J Biol Rhythms 21(6):458–469. This review considers the anatomical connections and neurotransmitters used by the SCN to control the daily rhythms in hormone release.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Danish Biotechnology Center for Cellular Communication.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Bispebjerg Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Jens Hannibal

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Correspondence to Jens Hannibal .

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  1. School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK

    Francis J. P. Ebling

  2. School of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK

    Hugh D. Piggins

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Hannibal, J. (2020). Action of Light on the Neuroendocrine Axis. In: Ebling, F.J.P., Piggins, H.D. (eds) Neuroendocrine Clocks and Calendars. Masterclass in Neuroendocrinology, vol 10. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-55643-3_8

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