A new study shows that the Sun’s UV-radiation enhances learning and memory, activating a molecular pathway which increase the production of glutamate.
This is yet another hint that UV light regulates the brain and the central neuroendocrine system and an interesting way that helps us understand the connection between the skin and the brain. The study shows that moderate exposure to UV light leads to the production of urocanic acid, and might trigger glutaminergic neurons through glutamate-release, which in turn triggers increased skills in memory and learning.
Urocanic acid is able to absorb UV rays and might be able to protect sin against harmful effects; however, in the liver and other peripheral tissues, it is known to be the intermediate molecule created in the metabolic pathway, converting histidine to glutamate.
UV-light has been shown to increase the amount of the acid in neurons that are related with increased glutamate-production; the light also enhanced electrical transmission between glutaminergic neurons.
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