Short-term REM sleep deprivation effect on temperature rhythm of rats

Circadian rhythm of body temperature (CRT) is altered in endogenous depression and many psychiatric disorders. Even the sleep pattern is disrupted. Sleep deprivation alleviates symptoms in depression. The present study was conducted to find the role of noradrenergic innervation to the pineal gland in bringing about the effect of REM sleep deprivation (REMSD) on the CRT. Adult male Wistar rats (n = 12) divided into 2 groups were used for the study. The group I rats (n = 6) underwent superior cervical ganglionectomy and the group II rats (n = 6) were sham ganglionectomised. After recovery rats were given REMSD for 48 hours. The CRT was measured in three periods of the study i.e. basal, post operative and post REMSD. The results indicated REMSD increased the Amplitude and Mesor of the CRT in both the groups which was shortlasting and reversible thus suggesting non sympathetic mediation of the pineal in bringing about the circadian rhythm alteration due to REMSD.