Compression of the optic chiasm is associated with reduced photoentrainment of the central biological clock

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Summary

The paper discusses how compression of the optic chiasm due to a pituitary tumour in patients with hypopituitarism is associated with an attenuated post-illumination pupil response and delayed sleep timing, suggesting that intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell function and consequently photoentrainment of the central biological clock is impaired in these patients.

Categories

Sleep and insomnia: The paper discusses how patients with optic chiasm compression due to a pituitary tumour have delayed sleep timing and sleep disturbances.

Cognitive function and memory: The paper explores how the compression of the optic chiasm can lead to dysfunction of the central biological clock, which orchestrates numerous vital rhythms such as the sleep–wake cycle, body temperature, and hormone secretions.

Eye health: The paper investigates the impact of optic chiasm compression on the function of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, which are essential for 'non-image-forming' responses to light such as photoentrainment.

Hormone regulation: The paper discusses how the compression of the optic chiasm can lead to dysfunction of the central biological clock, which orchestrates numerous vital rhythms including hormone secretions.