Growth and Stress Responses in Rats Exposed to Various Light Colours at Night
Abstract
There is a paucity of knowledge on the effect of artificial light colors on the growth of mammals. This study examined how different light colors affected the albino rat's growth and stress response. Day-old rats (432) were exposed to blue, green, yellow, red, and white lights. The rats were exposed between 6 pm and 6 am daily for 126 days. Three replicates per treatment per sex and each replicate had 12 rats. The growth indices were calculated from the growth parameters measured. Blood was collected at days 63 and 126 for the analysis of serum corticosterone. Data were statistically analyzed and level of significance taken at p < 0.05. Weight variation in rats exposed for 28 days revealed that green light had the highest weight (p < 0.05) during the suckling age. The growth of the weanling rats was significantly enhanced under blue light followed by green light. Exposed to yellow light significantly retarded the growth of the rats. The growth indices were significantly higher in the blue-light-exposed rats and in the green-light-exposed rats and much lower in the yellow-light-exposed rats. Corticosterone level was significantly elevated under the light treatments on day 126. Corticosterone reduced with age except in rats exposed to yellow and green lights in male, and yellow and white light in female. The study revealed that various light spectral have effect on the growth and induced stress of rats in age dependent manner.References
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Avioli, L, V. 1993. Glucocorticoid effects on statural growth. British Journal of Rheumatology 32(suppl 2): 27-30
Bashiri, F, Hassan, C, R, C. 2014. Light Pollution and Its Effect on the Environment International Journal of Fundamental Physical Sciences. l4 (1): 08-12. DOI: 10.14331/ijfps.2014.330061
Blask, D., Brainard, G., Gibbons, R., Lockley, S., Stevens, R., Motta, M. 2012. Report 4 of the council on science and public health (A-12) Light Pollution: Adverse Health Effects of Nighttime Lighting. American Medical Association, CSAPH Rep. 4-A-12: 1 – 25.
Borille, R., Garcia, R, G., Royer, A, F, B., Santana, M, R., Colet, S., Naas, I, A., et al. 2013. The use of light-emitting diodes (LED) in commercial layer production. Brazilian Journal of Poultry Science 15(2): 135-140. DOI: 10.1590/S1516-635X2013000200009
Cao, J., Liu, W., Wang, Z., Xie, D., Jia, L., Chen, Y. 2008. Green and Blue Monochromatic Lights Promote Growth and Development of Broilers Via Stimulating Testosterone Secretion and Myofiber Growth. Journal of Applied Poultry Research 17:211–218. DOI: 10.3382/japr.2007-00043
Cho, C., Yoon, H., Kang, S. 2018. Impact of exposure to dim light at night on sleep in female and comparison with male subjects. Korean Neuropsychiatric Association. 15(5): 520-530. DOI: 10.30773/pi.2018.03.17
Davies, T, W., Smyth, T. 2017. Why artificial light at night should be a focus for global change research in the 21st century. Global Change Biology. 1–11. DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13927
Dedeke, G, A., Kehinde, F, O., Olatinwo, O, R., Johnson, O, I., Adewale, A, O. 2017. Exposure of albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) to lights of varying wavelengths; effect on haematological profile, plasma electrolytes and weight gain. Zoologist (The). 15: 29-34. DOI. 10.4314/tzool.v15i1.5
Diyan, L., Long, Z., Mingyao, Y., Huadong, Y., Huailian X, Jessica S, et al. 2014. The effect of monochromatic light-emitting diode light on reproductive traits of laying hens. Journal of Applied Poultry Research. 23:367–375. DOI. 10.3382/japr.2013-00746
Dominoni, D., Quetting, M., Partecke, J. 2013. Artificial light at night advances avian reproductive physiology. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 280: 20123017. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2012.3017
Eberhardt, A, W., Yeager-Jones, A., Blair, H, C. 2001. Regional trabecular bone matrix degeneration and osteocyte death in femora if glucocorticoid-treated rabbits. Endocrinology. 142 (3):1333-1340.
Falchi, F., Pierantonio, C., Christopher, D, E., David, M, K., Haim, A. 2011. Limiting the impact of light pollution on human health. Environment and stellar visibility Journal of Environmental Management. 92: 2714-2722. DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2011.06.029
Figueiro, M, G., Rea, M, S. 2010. The effects of red and blue lights on circadian variations in cortisol, alpha amylase, and melatonin. International Journal of Endocrinology. 2010:1 - 9.
Fonken, L, K., Aubrecht, T, G., Meléndez-Fernández, O, H., Weil, Z, M., Nelson, R, J. 2013a. Dim light at night disrupts molecular circadian rhythms and affects weight gain. Journal of Biological Rhythms. 28(4): 262-271. DOI: 10.1177/0748730413493862
Fonken, L, K., Lieberman, R, A., Weil, Z, M., Nelson, R, J. 2013b. Dim Light at Night Exaggerates Weight Gain and Inflammation Associated with a High-Fat Diet in Male Mice. Endocrinology. 154(10):3817–3825 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1121
Gabel, V., Reichert, C, F., Maire, M., Schmidt, C., Schlangen, L, J, M., Kolodyazhniy, V. et al. 2017. Differential impact in young and older individuals of blue-enriched white light on circadian physiology and alertness during sustained wakefulness. Scientific Reports. 7: 7620. Doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-07060-8
Gkiatas, I., Lykissas, M., Kostas-Agnantis, I., Korompilias, A., Batistatou, A., Beris, A. 2015. Factors Affecting Bone Growth. America Journal of Orthopedic. 44(2): 61-67
Haim, A., Portnov, B, A. 2019. Light Pollution as a New Risk Factor for Human Breast and Prostate Cancers. Springer, Dordrecht Heidelberg. New York. London DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-6220-6
Haim, A., Zubidat, A, E. 2015a Artificial light at night: melatonin as a mediator between the environment and epigenome. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 370: 1 – 7. DOI 10.1098/rstb.2014.0121
Haim, A., Zubidat, A, E. 2015b. LED light between Nobel Prize and cancer risk factor. Chronobiology International. 32: 725–727. DOI: 10.3109/07420528.2015.1027901
Halevy, O., Biran, I., Rozenboim, I. 1998. Various light source treatments affect the body and skeletal muscle growth by affecting skeletal muscle satellite cell proliferation in broilers. Comp Biochem Physiol: A Molecular Integrated Physiology. 120:317–323. DOI. 10.1016/S1095-6433(98)10032-6
Ishida, A., Mutoh, T., Ueyama, T., Bando, H., Masubuchi, S., Nakahara, D. et al. 2005. Light activates the adrenal gland: Timing of gene expression and glucocorticoid release. Cell Metab. 2: 297–307.
Karakaya, M., Parlat, S, S., Yilmaz, M, T., Yildirim, I., Ozalp, B. 2009. Growth performance and quality properties of meat from broiler chickens reared under different monochromatic light sources. British Poultry Science. 50:76-82. DOI: 10.1080/00071660802629571
Kehinde, F, O., Dedeke, G, A., Olude, M, A., Ademolu, K, O., Aladesida, A, A., Adewale A, O., Owagboriaye, F, O. 2023. Assessment of reproductive hormones in prepubertal and postpubertal rats (Rattus norvegicus) on chronic exposure to various spectra of artificial light at night. Zoologist (The). 22: 31-39.
Kooijman, S., van den Berg, R., Ramkisoensing, A., Boon, M, R., Kuipers, E, N., Loef, M. et al. 2015. Prolonged daily light exposure increases body fat mass through attenuation of brown adipose tissue activity. Proceeding of the National Academic Science USA. 112 (21):6748-6753 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1504239112
Liu, W., Wang, Z., Chen, Y. 2010. Effects of Monochromatic Light on Developmental Changes in Satellite Cell Population of Pectoral Muscle in Broilers During Early Posthatch Period. The Anatomical Record. 293:1315–1324. DOI. 10.1002/ar.21174
Lui, J, C., Baron, J. 2011 Effects of Glucocorticoids on the Growth Plate. Endocrine Development. 20: 187–193.
Mei-Lin, P., Cheng-Yu, T., Chung-Liang, C., John Ching-Jen, H., Shuan-Yu, H., Ching-Ju L. et al. 2012. The Influence of Low-powered Family LED Lighting on Eyes in Mice Experimental Model. Life Science Journal. 9(1):477-482. DOI: 10.7537/marslsj090112
Mohamed, R, A., El-Kholya, S, Z., Shukry, M., El-Kassas, S., El Saidy, N, R. 2017. Manipulation of Broiler Growth Performance, Physiological and Fear Responses Using Three Monochromatic LED lights. Alexandria Journal of Veterinary Sciences. 53: 57-62. DOI: 10.5455/ajvs.263048
Niijima, A., Nagai, K., Nagai, N., Akagawa, H. 1993. Effects of Light Stimulation on the Activity of the Autonomic Nerves in Anesthetized Rats. Physiology & Behavior. 54: 555-561
Parvin, R., Mushtaq, M, M, H., Kim, M, J., Choi, H, C. 2014. Light emitting diode (LED) as a source of monochromatic light: a novel lighting approach for immunity and meat quality of poultry. World’s Poultry Science Journal.70(3):557-562. doi:10.1017/S0043933914000609
Quinn, G, E., Shin, C, H., Maguire, M, G., Stone, R, A. 1999. Myopia and ambient lighting at Night. Nature. 399:113-114. DOI: 10.1038/20094
Reiter, R, J., Dun, X, T., Sanchez-Barcelo, E., Mediavilla, M, D., Eloisa, G., Ahmet, K. 2011. Circadian mechanisms in the regulation of melatonin synthesis: disruption with light at night and the pathophysiological consequences. Journal of Experimental and Integrative Medicine. 1(1):13-22. DOI: 10.5455/jeim.101210.ir.001
Relaix, F., Zammit, P, S. 2012. Satellite cells are essential for skeletal muscle regeneration: the cell on the edge returns centre stage Available to Purchase. Development 139 (16): 2845–2856. Doi:10.1242/Dev.069088
Rozenboim, I., Biran, I., Chaiseha, Y., Yahav, S., Rosenstrauch, A., Sklan, D., Halevy, O. 2004. The effect of green and blue monochromatic light combination on broiler growth and development. Poultry Science. 83: 842–845. DOI. 10.1093/ps/83.5.842
Wei, Y., Zheng, W., Tong, Q., Li, Z., Li, B., Shi, H., Wang, Y. 2022. Effects of blue-green LED lights with two perceived illuminance (human and poultry) on immune performance and skeletal development of layer chickens. Poult Sci. Jul;101(7):101855. doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.101855
Zhang, Z., Cao, J., Wang, Z., Dong, Y., Chen, Y. 2014a. Effect of a Combination of Green and Blue Monochromatic Light on Broiler Immune Response. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B. 138:118-123 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2014.05.014
Zhang, L., Zhang, H, J., Wang, J., Wu, S., G., Qiao, X., Yue, H, Y., et al. 2014b; Stimulation with monochromatic green light during incubation alters satellite cell mitotic activity and gene expression in relation to embryonic and post hatch muscle growth of broiler chickens. Animal. 8(1):86-93. doi:10.1017/S1751731113001882
Al-Naggar, R, A., Anil, S. 2016. Artificial Light at Night and Cancer: Global Study. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention. 17 (10): 4661-4664 D OI: 10.22034/apjcp.2016.17.10.4661
Avioli, L, V. 1993. Glucocorticoid effects on statural growth. British Journal of Rheumatology 32(suppl 2): 27-30
Bashiri, F, Hassan, C, R, C. 2014. Light Pollution and Its Effect on the Environment International Journal of Fundamental Physical Sciences. l4 (1): 08-12. DOI: 10.14331/ijfps.2014.330061
Blask, D., Brainard, G., Gibbons, R., Lockley, S., Stevens, R., Motta, M. 2012. Report 4 of the council on science and public health (A-12) Light Pollution: Adverse Health Effects of Nighttime Lighting. American Medical Association, CSAPH Rep. 4-A-12: 1 – 25.
Borille, R., Garcia, R, G., Royer, A, F, B., Santana, M, R., Colet, S., Naas, I, A., et al. 2013. The use of light-emitting diodes (LED) in commercial layer production. Brazilian Journal of Poultry Science 15(2): 135-140. DOI: 10.1590/S1516-635X2013000200009
Cao, J., Liu, W., Wang, Z., Xie, D., Jia, L., Chen, Y. 2008. Green and Blue Monochromatic Lights Promote Growth and Development of Broilers Via Stimulating Testosterone Secretion and Myofiber Growth. Journal of Applied Poultry Research 17:211–218. DOI: 10.3382/japr.2007-00043
Cho, C., Yoon, H., Kang, S. 2018. Impact of exposure to dim light at night on sleep in female and comparison with male subjects. Korean Neuropsychiatric Association. 15(5): 520-530. DOI: 10.30773/pi.2018.03.17
Davies, T, W., Smyth, T. 2017. Why artificial light at night should be a focus for global change research in the 21st century. Global Change Biology. 1–11. DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13927
Dedeke, G, A., Kehinde, F, O., Olatinwo, O, R., Johnson, O, I., Adewale, A, O. 2017. Exposure of albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) to lights of varying wavelengths; effect on haematological profile, plasma electrolytes and weight gain. Zoologist (The). 15: 29-34. DOI. 10.4314/tzool.v15i1.5
Diyan, L., Long, Z., Mingyao, Y., Huadong, Y., Huailian X, Jessica S, et al. 2014. The effect of monochromatic light-emitting diode light on reproductive traits of laying hens. Journal of Applied Poultry Research. 23:367–375. DOI. 10.3382/japr.2013-00746
Dominoni, D., Quetting, M., Partecke, J. 2013. Artificial light at night advances avian reproductive physiology. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 280: 20123017. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2012.3017
Eberhardt, A, W., Yeager-Jones, A., Blair, H, C. 2001. Regional trabecular bone matrix degeneration and osteocyte death in femora if glucocorticoid-treated rabbits. Endocrinology. 142 (3):1333-1340.
Falchi, F., Pierantonio, C., Christopher, D, E., David, M, K., Haim, A. 2011. Limiting the impact of light pollution on human health. Environment and stellar visibility Journal of Environmental Management. 92: 2714-2722. DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2011.06.029
Figueiro, M, G., Rea, M, S. 2010. The effects of red and blue lights on circadian variations in cortisol, alpha amylase, and melatonin. International Journal of Endocrinology. 2010:1 - 9.
Fonken, L, K., Aubrecht, T, G., Meléndez-Fernández, O, H., Weil, Z, M., Nelson, R, J. 2013a. Dim light at night disrupts molecular circadian rhythms and affects weight gain. Journal of Biological Rhythms. 28(4): 262-271. DOI: 10.1177/0748730413493862
Fonken, L, K., Lieberman, R, A., Weil, Z, M., Nelson, R, J. 2013b. Dim Light at Night Exaggerates Weight Gain and Inflammation Associated with a High-Fat Diet in Male Mice. Endocrinology. 154(10):3817–3825 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1121
Gabel, V., Reichert, C, F., Maire, M., Schmidt, C., Schlangen, L, J, M., Kolodyazhniy, V. et al. 2017. Differential impact in young and older individuals of blue-enriched white light on circadian physiology and alertness during sustained wakefulness. Scientific Reports. 7: 7620. Doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-07060-8
Gkiatas, I., Lykissas, M., Kostas-Agnantis, I., Korompilias, A., Batistatou, A., Beris, A. 2015. Factors Affecting Bone Growth. America Journal of Orthopedic. 44(2): 61-67
Haim, A., Portnov, B, A. 2019. Light Pollution as a New Risk Factor for Human Breast and Prostate Cancers. Springer, Dordrecht Heidelberg. New York. London DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-6220-6
Haim, A., Zubidat, A, E. 2015a Artificial light at night: melatonin as a mediator between the environment and epigenome. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 370: 1 – 7. DOI 10.1098/rstb.2014.0121
Haim, A., Zubidat, A, E. 2015b. LED light between Nobel Prize and cancer risk factor. Chronobiology International. 32: 725–727. DOI: 10.3109/07420528.2015.1027901
Halevy, O., Biran, I., Rozenboim, I. 1998. Various light source treatments affect the body and skeletal muscle growth by affecting skeletal muscle satellite cell proliferation in broilers. Comp Biochem Physiol: A Molecular Integrated Physiology. 120:317–323. DOI. 10.1016/S1095-6433(98)10032-6
Ishida, A., Mutoh, T., Ueyama, T., Bando, H., Masubuchi, S., Nakahara, D. et al. 2005. Light activates the adrenal gland: Timing of gene expression and glucocorticoid release. Cell Metab. 2: 297–307.
Karakaya, M., Parlat, S, S., Yilmaz, M, T., Yildirim, I., Ozalp, B. 2009. Growth performance and quality properties of meat from broiler chickens reared under different monochromatic light sources. British Poultry Science. 50:76-82. DOI: 10.1080/00071660802629571
Kehinde, F, O., Dedeke, G, A., Olude, M, A., Ademolu, K, O., Aladesida, A, A., Adewale A, O., Owagboriaye, F, O. 2023. Assessment of reproductive hormones in prepubertal and postpubertal rats (Rattus norvegicus) on chronic exposure to various spectra of artificial light at night. Zoologist (The). 22: 31-39.
Kooijman, S., van den Berg, R., Ramkisoensing, A., Boon, M, R., Kuipers, E, N., Loef, M. et al. 2015. Prolonged daily light exposure increases body fat mass through attenuation of brown adipose tissue activity. Proceeding of the National Academic Science USA. 112 (21):6748-6753 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1504239112
Liu, W., Wang, Z., Chen, Y. 2010. Effects of Monochromatic Light on Developmental Changes in Satellite Cell Population of Pectoral Muscle in Broilers During Early Posthatch Period. The Anatomical Record. 293:1315–1324. DOI. 10.1002/ar.21174
Lui, J, C., Baron, J. 2011 Effects of Glucocorticoids on the Growth Plate. Endocrine Development. 20: 187–193.
Mei-Lin, P., Cheng-Yu, T., Chung-Liang, C., John Ching-Jen, H., Shuan-Yu, H., Ching-Ju L. et al. 2012. The Influence of Low-powered Family LED Lighting on Eyes in Mice Experimental Model. Life Science Journal. 9(1):477-482. DOI: 10.7537/marslsj090112
Mohamed, R, A., El-Kholya, S, Z., Shukry, M., El-Kassas, S., El Saidy, N, R. 2017. Manipulation of Broiler Growth Performance, Physiological and Fear Responses Using Three Monochromatic LED lights. Alexandria Journal of Veterinary Sciences. 53: 57-62. DOI: 10.5455/ajvs.263048
Niijima, A., Nagai, K., Nagai, N., Akagawa, H. 1993. Effects of Light Stimulation on the Activity of the Autonomic Nerves in Anesthetized Rats. Physiology & Behavior. 54: 555-561
Parvin, R., Mushtaq, M, M, H., Kim, M, J., Choi, H, C. 2014. Light emitting diode (LED) as a source of monochromatic light: a novel lighting approach for immunity and meat quality of poultry. World’s Poultry Science Journal.70(3):557-562. doi:10.1017/S0043933914000609
Quinn, G, E., Shin, C, H., Maguire, M, G., Stone, R, A. 1999. Myopia and ambient lighting at Night. Nature. 399:113-114. DOI: 10.1038/20094
Reiter, R, J., Dun, X, T., Sanchez-Barcelo, E., Mediavilla, M, D., Eloisa, G., Ahmet, K. 2011. Circadian mechanisms in the regulation of melatonin synthesis: disruption with light at night and the pathophysiological consequences. Journal of Experimental and Integrative Medicine. 1(1):13-22. DOI: 10.5455/jeim.101210.ir.001
Relaix, F., Zammit, P, S. 2012. Satellite cells are essential for skeletal muscle regeneration: the cell on the edge returns centre stage Available to Purchase. Development 139 (16): 2845–2856. Doi:10.1242/Dev.069088
Rozenboim, I., Biran, I., Chaiseha, Y., Yahav, S., Rosenstrauch, A., Sklan, D., Halevy, O. 2004. The effect of green and blue monochromatic light combination on broiler growth and development. Poultry Science. 83: 842–845. DOI. 10.1093/ps/83.5.842
Wei, Y., Zheng, W., Tong, Q., Li, Z., Li, B., Shi, H., Wang, Y. 2022. Effects of blue-green LED lights with two perceived illuminance (human and poultry) on immune performance and skeletal development of layer chickens. Poult Sci. Jul;101(7):101855. doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.101855
Zhang, Z., Cao, J., Wang, Z., Dong, Y., Chen, Y. 2014a. Effect of a Combination of Green and Blue Monochromatic Light on Broiler Immune Response. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B. 138:118-123 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2014.05.014
Zhang, L., Zhang, H, J., Wang, J., Wu, S., G., Qiao, X., Yue, H, Y., et al. 2014b; Stimulation with monochromatic green light during incubation alters satellite cell mitotic activity and gene expression in relation to embryonic and post hatch muscle growth of broiler chickens. Animal. 8(1):86-93. doi:10.1017/S1751731113001882
Published
2026-02-09
How to Cite
1.
Kehinde F, Dedeke G, OLUDE M, ADEMOLU K, OWAGBORIAYE F, ALADESIDA A. Growth and Stress Responses in Rats Exposed to Various Light Colours at Night. Journal of Agricultural and Biomedical Sciences [Internet]. 9Feb.2026 [cited 13Apr.2026];10(2). Available from: https://journals.unza.zm/index.php/JABS/article/view/1555
Section
Biomedical Sciences
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