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Evidence for Electrical Coupling in the SubCoeruleus (SubC) Nucleus
David S Heister1, Abdallah Hayar, Amanda Charlesworth
1Center for Translational Neuroscience, Dept. of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Slot 847, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
Journal of Neurophysiology
|January 12, 2007
Summary
SubCoeruleus (SubC) neurons exhibit electrical coupling, potentially regulating REM sleep. This coupling, mediated by connexin 36, decreases with development, correlating with reduced REM sleep.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Research
- Cellular Electrophysiology
Background:
- SubCoeruleus (SubC) neurons are implicated in regulating rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep.
- Electrical coupling between neurons is a known phenomenon mediated by gap junctions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and developmental regulation of electrical coupling in SubC neurons.
- To explore the role of connexin 36 (Cx 36) in SubC electrical coupling and its relation to REM sleep.
Main Methods:
- Electrophysiological recordings (whole-cell) from rat brain stem slices.
- Analysis of spikelet activity, membrane oscillations, and carbachol-induced responses.
- Assessment of connexin 36 gene expression and protein levels during development.
Main Results:
- SubC neurons displayed spontaneous and carbachol-induced spikelets, indicating electrical coupling.
- Carbachol induced theta-frequency oscillations and spikelets in SubC neurons.
- Connexin 36 expression and protein levels decreased developmentally in the mesopontine tegmentum and specifically in SubC.
- Cx 36 levels in SubC correlated with the developmental decline in REM sleep.
Conclusions:
- Electrical coupling via connexin 36 is present in SubC neurons.
- Developmental downregulation of Cx 36 in SubC may contribute to the reduction of REM sleep.
- Electrical coupling in SubC neurons offers a novel mechanism for sleep-wake state regulation.
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