Central projections of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in the macaque monkey.

Circadian rhythms generated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) are entrained to the environmental light/dark cycle via intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) expressing the photopigment melanopsin and the neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP). The ipRGCs regulate other nonimage-forming visual functions such as the pupillary light reflex, masking behavior, and light-induced melatonin suppression. To evaluate whether PACAP-immunoreactive retinal projections are useful as a marker for central projection of ipRGCs in the monkey brain, we characterized the occurrence of PACAP in melanopsin-expressing ipRGCs and in the retinal target areas in the brain visualized by the anterograde tracer cholera toxin subunit B (CtB) in combination with PACAP staining.

The post-illumination pupil response is reduced in glaucoma patients.

Purpose: The post-illumination pupil response (PIPR), which is driven by the intrinsic response of melanopsin-containing, intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, has previously been characterized in healthy eyes. The present study examined whether the PIPR is affected in patients with glaucoma compared with healthy subjects.

Methods: Sixteen glaucoma patients (mean age, 63.

Post-illumination pupil response in subjects without ocular disease.

Purpose: A sustained pupilloconstriction is often observed after the cessation of a bright visual stimulus. This post-illumination pupil response (PIPR) is produced by the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). The present study was designed to examine the characteristics of the PIPR in a normal population without ocular disease.