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Review
. 2004 Jul;21(4-5):501-19.
doi: 10.1081/cbi-120039813.

Extraocular photoreception and circadian entrainment in nonmammalian vertebrates

Cristiano Bertolucci  1 , Augusto Foà
Affiliations
Review

Extraocular photoreception and circadian entrainment in nonmammalian vertebrates

Cristiano Bertolucci et al. Chronobiol Int. 2004 Jul.

Erratum in

  • Chronobiol Int. 2005;22(1):175

Abstract

In mammals both the regulation of circadian rhythms and photoperiodic responses depend exclusively upon photic information provided by the lateral eyes; however, nonmammalian vertebrates can also rely on multiple extraocular photoreceptors to perform the same tasks. Extraocular photoreceptors include deep brain photoreceptors located in several distinct brain sites and the pineal complex, involving intracranial (pineal and parapineal) and extracranial (frontal organ and parietal eye) components. This review updates the research field of the most recent acquisitions concerning the roles of extraocular photoreceptors on circadian physiology and behavior, particularly photic entrainment and sun compass orientation.

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