Researches Discover a New Pathway Between Eyes and Brain

eyes_send_an_unexpected_signal_to_the_brain__a_subset_of_retinal_neurons_communicates_differently_from_the_rest_of_the_eye_--_sciencedaily.pdf
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For a long time, it was believed that your eyes only communicated with your brain using one signaling pathway.It was believed that your brain only communicates with your brain using excitatory signals. However, researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a new pathway that the eyes can communicate with the brain with using inhibitory signals. Simply put excitatory signals make neurons fire more and inhibitory signals make them fire less.  The researchers also found that some of the retinal neurons are involved in subconscious behavior. This subconscious behavior consists of synchronization of circadian rhythms and pupil constriction to deal with light.  The researchers ran a study on mice where they blocked the inhibitory signals. The mice’s pupils were more sensitive to light. Also dim light was more effective in shifting the mice’s circadian rhythms. ​