Related Experiment Videos
Nerve growth factor enhances sleep in rabbits
1Department of Veterinary and Comparative Anatomy, Pharmacology and Physiology, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-6520, USA.
Neuroscience Letters
|May 13, 1999
Summary
Nerve growth factor (NGF) influences sleep patterns in rabbits. Higher doses of NGF significantly increased both REMS and non-REMS sleep, suggesting a regulatory role for NGF in sleep.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Science
Background:
- Nerve growth factor (NGF) is known to induce rapid-eye-movement sleep (REMS) in cats.
- Inhibition of REMS has been observed in rats following the removal of NGF receptor-positive cholinergic basal forebrain neurons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of human beta-NGF on sleep and brain temperature (Tbr) in rabbits.
- To determine the dose-dependent effects of NGF on different sleep stages.
Main Methods:
- Male rabbits were surgically implanted with EEG electrodes and a brain thermistor.
- Intraventricular (i.c.v.) injections of varying doses of human beta-NGF or saline (control) were administered.
- EEG and Tbr were continuously monitored for 23 hours post-injection.
Main Results:
- The highest two doses of NGF significantly increased both non-REMS and REMS.
- REMS was enhanced in a dose-dependent manner following NGF administration.
- Brain temperature (Tbr) remained unaffected by any tested dose of NGF.
Conclusions:
- Nerve growth factor (NGF) appears to play a role in the regulation of both REMS and non-REMS in rabbits.
- These findings contribute to understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying sleep regulation.