Abstract

Threads of evidence from recent experimentation in retinal morphology, neurochemistry, electrophysiology, and visual perception point toward rhythmic ocular processes that may be integral components of circadian entrainment in mammals. Components of retinal cell biology (rod outer-segment disk shedding, inner-segment degradation, melatonin and dopamine synthesis, electrophysiological responses) show self-sustaining circadian oscillations whose phase can be controlled by light-dark cycles. A complete phase response curve in visual sensitivity can be generated from light-pulse-induced phase shifting. Following lesions of the suprachiasmatic nuclei, circadian rhythms of visual detectability and rod outer-segment disk shedding persist, even though behavioral activity becomes arrhythmic. We discuss the converging evidence for an ocular circadian timing system in terms of interactions between rhythmic retinal processes and the central suprachiasmatic pacemaker, and propose that retinal phase shifts to light provide a critical input signal.