Short- and long-wavelength lights disrupt endocrine signalling but not immune function in a nocturnal marsupial

Abstract

Natural light-dark cycles are responsible for synchronizing an animal's circadian clock with environmental conditions. Consequently, the endocrine system is vulnerable to changes in the external light environment, particularly short-wavelength blue light. Artificial light at night drastically changes the night-time environment by masking natural light cycles and disrupting well-established biological rhythms. The introduction of blue-rich lighting, such as white light-emitting diodes (LEDs), may increase the biological effects of light at night on wildlife. However, flexibility in the spectral composition of LED lighting presents options for wildlife-sensitive lighting, such as long-wavelength amber LEDs. Here we examine the effect of light spectra on circadian physiology in a nocturnal marsupial. Specifically, we investigate the effect of short-wavelength white (standard urban lighting) and long-wavelength amber LEDs (proposed wildlife-sensitive lighting) on circadian hormones and cell-mediated immunity in the Krefft's glider (Petaurus notatus). Melatonin and glucocorticoid secretion were disrupted following exposure to both short-wavelength white and long-wavelength amber LEDs. Both LEDs suppressed melatonin, whilst glucocorticoid secretion was suppressed under amber LEDs and increased under white LEDs. Despite this disturbance we did not detect any effect of light treatment on cell-mediated immune response. Our findings offer a novel contribution to understanding the physiological impacts of light at night on wildlife. We also provide evidence that long-wavelength amber LEDs can disrupt physiology and are not a wildlife-sensitive lighting option for all species.