視覚機能に及ぼす内因性光感受性網膜神経節細胞の働きに関する最近の研究動向

抄録

Many studies on the effects of light have been conducted in the field of physiological anthropology. It is generally considered that melanopsin-expressing, intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) are involved in non-visual functions, whereas rods and cones contribute to visual functions or the perception of brightness and color. In recent years, however, it has become increasingly clear that ipRGCs also contribute to visual functions. This article reviews recent studies on the contribution of ipRGCs to visual functions, including behavioral experiments in animals, psychophysical studies in humans using the silent substitution method, and (fMRI) studies of the visual cortex.