Effects of bright light on circadian patterns of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, melatonin and cortisol in healthy subjects
Lemmer B, Brühl T, Witte K, Pflug B, Köhler W, Touitou Y. Effects of bright light on circadian patterns of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, melatonin and cortisol in healthy subjects. Eur J Endocrinol 1994; 130:472–7. ISSN 0804–4643 Bright light is known as a strong zeitgeber on human circadian rhythms and influences several endocrine and neuroendocrine functions. In the present study we examined the influence of a 3-h bright light stimulus, given at different times during the day (morning or evening), on circadian patterns of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), melatonin and cortisol. Two groups of synchronized healthy volunteers (lights on: 05.00–23.00 h) were exposed to bright light (2500 lux) for 3 h over 6 days either in the morning (05.00–08.00 h) or in the evening (18.00–21.00 h). The results showed a significant phase advance in the circadian rhythms of melatonin and cortisol when bright light was given in the morning but not when given in the evening. Rhythm in plasma cAMP basically was not affected by either light treatment. Björn Lemmer, Zentrum der Pharmakologie, JW Goethe Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt/M, Germany