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Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice
Published on: January 25, 2016
Characterization of the sleep-wake patterns in mice lacking fatty acid amide hydrolase
Salvador Huitron-Resendiz1, Manuel Sanchez-Alavez, Derek N Wills
1Department of Neuropharmacology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
Study Objectives:
Oleamide and anandamide are fatty acid amides implicated in the regulatory mechanisms of sleep processes. However, due to their prompt catabolism by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), their pharmacologic and behavioral effects, in vivo, disappear rapidly. To determine if, in the absence of FAAH, the hypnogenic fatty acid amides induce an increase of sleep, we characterized the sleep-wake patters in FAAH-knockout mice [FAAH (-/-)] before and after sleep deprivation.
Design:
FAAH (-/-), FAAH (+/-), and FAAH (+/+) mice were implanted chronically for sleep, body temperature (Tb), and locomotor activity (LMA) recordings. Sleep-wake states were recorded during a 24-hour baseline session followed by 8 hours of sleep deprivation. Recovery recordings were done during the 16 hours following sleep deprivation. Total amount of wake, slow-wave sleep, and rapid eye movement sleep were calculated and compared between genotypes. The electroencephalographic spectral analysis was performed by fast Fourier transform analysis. Telemetry recordings of Tb and LMA were carried out continuously during 4 days under baseline conditions.
Setting:
N/A.
Patients Or Participants:
FAAH (-/-) mice and their heterozygote (+/-) and control (+/+) littermates were used.
Interventions:
Sleep deprivation.
Measurements And Results:
FAAH (-/-) mice possess higher values of slow-wave sleep and more intense episodes of slow-wave sleep than do control littermates under baseline conditions that are not related to differences in Tb and LMA. A rebound of slow-wave sleep and rapid eye movement sleep as well an increase in the levels of slow-wave activity were observed after sleep deprivation in all genotypes.
Conclusion:
These findings support the role of fatty acid amides as possible modulators of sleep and indicate that the homeostatic mechanisms of sleep in FAAH (-/-) mice are not disrupted.
Insights
Mice lacking fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) exhibit increased slow-wave sleep. Sleep deprivation did not disrupt sleep homeostasis in these mice, suggesting fatty acid amides modulate sleep.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Science
Background:
- Oleamide and anandamide are fatty acid amides involved in sleep regulation.
- Their rapid breakdown by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) limits their in vivo effects.
- Investigating FAAH-knockout mice can clarify the role of these amides in sleep.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the absence of FAAH increases sleep.
- To characterize sleep-wake patterns in FAAH-knockout mice before and after sleep deprivation.
Main Methods:
- Sleep, body temperature, and locomotor activity were recorded in FAAH-knockout, heterozygote, and control mice.
- Sleep-wake states were monitored during baseline and after sleep deprivation.
- Electroencephalographic spectral analysis and telemetry were employed.
Main Results:
- FAAH-knockout mice showed higher values and intensity of slow-wave sleep compared to controls.
- Sleep rebound and increased slow-wave activity were observed in all genotypes post-sleep deprivation.
- These sleep changes were independent of body temperature and locomotor activity.
Conclusions:
- Fatty acid amides may modulate sleep.
- Homeostatic sleep mechanisms are not disrupted in FAAH-knockout mice.
- The study supports the role of FAAH in regulating sleep-wake cycles.
