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The modulatory effects of rostral ventromedial medulla on air-puff evoked microarousals in rats
H Foo1, Katherine Crabtree, Peggy Mason
1Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, 947 East 58th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, United States. hfoo@bsd.uchicago.edu
Abstract:
This study tested whether the duration of microarousals from sleep evoked by innocuous air-puff is affected by intra-RVM administration of neurotensin and bicuculline, pharmacological manipulations that affect on and off cell activity. Air-puff evoked microarousal duration was unaffected by 0.05ng neurotensin, but decreased by 502ng neurotensin, and 5 and 50ng bicuculline. These results suggest a putative role for off cells in protecting sleep from interruption by non-noxious stimuli.
Insights
Neurotensin and bicuculline administration altered microarousal duration during sleep. Specifically, higher doses of neurotensin and bicuculline decreased microarousal duration, suggesting off cells protect sleep.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Science
- Neuropharmacology
Background:
- Microarousals are brief arousals from sleep.
- The ventromedial medulla (RVM) plays a role in arousal.
- On and off cells in the RVM influence sleep and arousal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of neurotensin and bicuculline on microarousal duration.
- To explore the role of RVM on and off cells in sleep protection.
Main Methods:
- Administered neurotensin and bicuculline into the RVM in a rodent model.
- Evoked microarousals using an innocuous air-puff stimulus.
- Measured the duration of microarousals.
Main Results:
- Low-dose neurotensin (0.05ng) did not affect microarousal duration.
- High-dose neurotensin (502ng) decreased microarousal duration.
- Bicuculline (5ng and 50ng) decreased microarousal duration.
Conclusions:
- RVM off cells may protect sleep against interruptions from non-noxious stimuli.
- Pharmacological modulation of RVM cell activity impacts sleep stability.
