Sleep dysfunction and EEG alterations in mice overexpressing alpha-synuclein.
Kimberly A McDowell1, David Shin1, Kenneth P Roos2
1Department of Neurology, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Journal of Parkinson'S Disease
|May 29, 2014
Summary
Overexpressing alpha-synuclein in mice caused sleep disturbances and altered brain activity similar to Parkinson's disease (PD). This provides a new model for studying PD sleep problems.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Sleep disruptions are common early symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD).
- Alpha-synuclein, linked to PD, accumulates in brain regions regulating sleep.
- Existing animal models for PD sleep dysfunction are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if wildtype alpha-synuclein overexpression causes PD-like sleep alterations.
- To use quantitative methods in a genetic mouse model to assess sleep/wake activity.
Main Methods:
- Mice overexpressing human wildtype alpha-synuclein (Thy1-aSyn) and wildtype littermates were studied.
- Telemetry devices recorded electromyograms (EMG) and electroencephalograms (EEG) in freely moving mice.
- Genotype was unknown to researchers during surgery and data collection.
Main Results:
- Thy1-aSyn mice exhibited increased non-rapid eye movement sleep during rest and active wake during activity phases.
- A decrease in rapid eye movement sleep was observed over 24 hours.
- EEG power spectra showed a shift towards lower frequencies, with reduced gamma power during wakefulness.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-synuclein overexpression in mice mimics PD-related sleep disruptions and EEG changes.
- This mouse model offers a new platform for exploring PD sleep dysfunction mechanisms.
- The model can be used to test therapeutic strategies for sleep disorders in Parkinson's disease.
