Melanin-concentrating hormone-expressing neurons adjust slow-wave sleep dynamics to catalyze paradoxical (REM) sleep

Abstract Study Objectives Experimental studies over the last 15 years established a role in sleep of the tuberal hypothalamic neurons that express melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH). Controversies still remain regarding their actual contribution to both slow-wave sleep (SWS) and paradoxical sleep (...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sleep (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2018-06, Vol.41 (6)
Main Authors: Varin, Christophe, Luppi, Pierre-Hervé, Fort, Patrice
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Electroencephalography - methods
Gene Expression
Hypothalamic Hormones - biosynthesis
Hypothalamic Hormones - genetics
Hypothalamus - physiology
Male
Melanins - biosynthesis
Melanins - genetics
Mice
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Mice, Transgenic
Neurons - metabolism
Optogenetics - methods
Pituitary Hormones - biosynthesis
Pituitary Hormones - genetics
Rodents
Sleep
Sleep - physiology
Sleep, REM - physiology
Sleep, Slow-Wave - physiology
Ultradian Rhythm - physiology
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Summary:Abstract Study Objectives Experimental studies over the last 15 years established a role in sleep of the tuberal hypothalamic neurons that express melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH). Controversies still remain regarding their actual contribution to both slow-wave sleep (SWS) and paradoxical sleep (PS also known as REM sleep) or PS alone. Methods To address this point, we compared effects of chemogenetic activation and inhibition of MCH neurons on SWS and PS amounts and EEG rhythmic activities in transgenic Pmch-cre mice. Results In agreement with recently reported optogenetic data, the activation of MCH neurons invariably facilitates PS onset and maintenance. Our chemogenetic experiments further disclose that the ultradian rhythm of SWS is also notably related to the activity of MCH neurons. We observed that the mean duration of SWS episodes is significantly extended when MCH neurons are inhibited. Conversely, when they were excited, SWS bouts were drastically shortened and depicted substantial changes in δ rhythmic activities in electroencephalographic recording likely reflecting a deeper SWS. Conclusions According to these original findings, we propose that when MCH neurons are physiologically recruited, SWS depth is increased and the extinction of SWS episodes is accelerated, two joint physiological processes strengthening the probability for natural SWS to PS transition and likely facilitating PS onset.
ISSN:0161-8105
1550-9109
DOI:10.1093/sleep/zsy068