Eye cells may help treat jet lag

Date:

spot_imgspot_img
Scientists have found a new group of cells in the retina that directly affect the biological clock, an advance that may pave the way for new treatments for jet lag.
The new group of cells in the retina affect the biological clock by sending signals to a region of the brain which regulates our daily (circadian) rhythms, said researchers from University of Edinburgh in the UK.
Biological clocks are synchronised to light-dark changes and are important to regulate patterns of body temperature, brain activity, hormone production and other physiological processes. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is a region of the brain which co-ordinates the circadian rhythm using many different signalling molecules, including the neurohormone vasopressin, researchers said.
Researchers interfered with the signalling of light information sent to the SCN in rats. Using a series of physiological tests, they showed that vasopressin-expressing cells in the retina are directly involved in regulating circadian rhythms.
The retina signals environmental light changes to the SCN but it was previously unclear on how this process took place, researchers said.
Mike Ludwig from University of Edinburgh said, “Studies in the future which alter vasopressin signalling through the eye could lead to developing eye drops to get rid of jet lag, but we are still a long way off from this. (PTI)
spot_imgspot_img

Related articles

Meghalaya joins nationwide launch of women & child health campaign

Our Bureau SHILLONG, Sep 17: To provide a much-needed boost to health services for women and children, the ‘Swasth...

Pyngrope named Opp Chief Whip

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Sep 17: TMC MLA from Nongthymmai, Charles Pyngrope has been recognised as the Opposition Chief...

News Capsule

Convocation William Carey University, Meghalaya, held its 5th convocation on Tuesday, during which degrees were conferred on PhD, postgraduate...

Changing weather conditions driving H3N2 cases in Delhi-NCR: Experts

New Delhi, Sep 17: Changing weather conditions are driving influenza A strain H3N2 cases in Delhi-NCR, said health...