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Melatonin induces changes in the excitability of photoreceptors in crayfish Procambarus clarkii
Solórzano-García S, De la O-Martínez A, Hernández-Muñoz S and Fuentes-Pardo B 
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Abstract
When isolated eyestalks are perfused in a melatonin solution, receptor potential amplitude decreases and its duration increases significantly. Exogenous melatonin injected into intact crayfish Procambarus clarkii induces a migration of retinal shielding pigments to a light-adapted state. The light-adapted state reduces light entrance to the retinular cells thus reducing its electrical response to light. Photoreceptor cells have been identified as important structures in the organisation of the circadian system responsible for the generation and expression of the electroretinogram circadian rhythm. They are the structures where the circadian periodicity is expressed (effectors) and which transform information from external signals to be conducted to the pacemaker in order to induce adjustments of the rhythm (synchronisers). Consequently, the knowledge of the action of exogenous melatonin on photoreceptor cells proved to be very helpful in comprehension of some mechanisms underlying the circadian rhythmicity.
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Solórzano-García S, De la O-Martínez A, Hernández-Muñoz S and Fuentes-Pardo B. (1999). Melatonin induces changes in the excitability of photoreceptors in crayfish Procambarus clarkii. Freshwater Crayfish 12(1):168-186. doi:
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