Selective activation of ipRGC modulates working memory performance

Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) are known to be sensitive to short-wavelength light (460-480 nm; blue or cyan light) and to play a role in regulating physiological responses such as circadian rhythms. Previous studies have shown that exposure to blue light improves performance on working memory tasks compared with exposure to amber light. However, it remains unclear whether these cognitive benefits via light are attributable to integrated signals across ipRGCs and rod/cone or ipRGC alone. To address this, the present study investigates the specific contribution of ipRGCs to working memory performance using a silent substitution method that selectively manipulates ipRGC activity while minimizing the influence of LMS cone responses. Participants engaged in 1- and 2-back tasks under low- or high-ipRGC activation light, a metameric color perceived as magenta. Results showed that hit rate in the 2-back task was significantly higher under exposure to high-ipRGC light than to low-ipRGC light. Our overall findings provide direct evidence that isolated ipRGC activation, independent of perceptual blue or cone involvement, can modulate cognitive task processing.