melanopsin


melanopsin

An opsin-like protein, sensitive to light with a peak sensitivity around 480 nm, and found in the very small proportion of retinal ganglion cells which are photosensitive. It is believed to be the visual pigment that synchronizes the circadian cycle to the day-night cycle as well as being involved in the control of pupil size and the release of melatonin. This neural circuit appears to be independent of the conventional retinal phototransduction in the rods and cones. See pupil light reflex.