Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 30, 2026
08:58
Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice
Published on: June 19, 2019
10.7K
Basal forebrain control of wakefulness and cortical rhythms
Christelle Anaclet1, Nigel P Pedersen1,2, Loris L Ferrari1
1Division of Sleep Medicine, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
Nature Communications
|November 4, 2015
Summary
GABAergic neurons in the basal forebrain (BF) are crucial for sustained wakefulness and cognitive function. Activating these neurons promotes wakefulness, while inhibiting them increases sleep, offering potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurobiology
Background:
- Wakefulness and cognition rely on the basal forebrain (BF).
- Cholinergic cell loss in the BF is linked to dementia, and anticholinergic drugs cause sedation.
- The roles of BF GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neurobiological roles of BF GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons in regulating wakefulness and cortical activity.
- To determine the effects of targeted neuronal activation and inhibition on behavioral states and electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns.
Main Methods:
- Utilized chemogenetics for targeted activation and inhibition of specific neuronal populations in the basal forebrain (BF) of behaving mice.
- Monitored behavioral states (wakefulness, sleep) and recorded electroencephalogram (EEG) activity.
Main Results:
- Activation of BF cholinergic or glutamatergic neurons affected state consolidation and EEG but not total wakefulness.
- Activation of BF GABAergic neurons led to sustained wakefulness and high-frequency cortical rhythms.
- Inhibition of BF GABAergic neurons resulted in increased sleep.
Conclusions:
- BF GABAergic neurons play a significant role in maintaining wakefulness and fast cortical rhythms associated with cognition.
- These findings suggest potential clinical applications for treating conditions like dementia and the minimally conscious state by modulating BF activity.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation
6.0K
The reticular formation is a complex network of gray and white matter located within the brainstem extending from the medulla to the midbrain.
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
6.0K
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
3.3K
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
3.3K
02:19Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
4.7K
The biological clock is involved in many aspects of regulating complex physiology in all animals. It was in 1935 when German zoologists, Hans Kalmus and Erwin Bünning, discovered the existence of circadian rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the internal molecular mechanisms behind the circadian clock remained a mystery until 1984, when Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young discovered the expression of the Per gene oscillating over a 24-hour cycle. In subsequent...
4.7K
02:19Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
2.5K
2.5K
01:21Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla
5.4K
The medulla oblongata is a crucial part of the brainstem responsible for controlling various autonomic and involuntary functions. It contains several nuclei, including the olivary, cuneate, gracile, and solitary nuclei.
Olivary Nucleus
The olivary nucleus, or inferior olivary nucleus, is located within the ventrolateral part of the medulla oblongata. It is primarily involved in motor coordination and motor learning. The olivary nucleus receives input from the spinal cord, cerebellum, and motor...
Olivary Nucleus
The olivary nucleus, or inferior olivary nucleus, is located within the ventrolateral part of the medulla oblongata. It is primarily involved in motor coordination and motor learning. The olivary nucleus receives input from the spinal cord, cerebellum, and motor...
5.4K
01:30Organization of the Brain
3.7K
The brain is an integral component of the nervous system and serves as the center for processing sensory inputs, making decisions, and directing bodily actions. This complex organ is organized into three primary sections: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, each responsible for a range of vital functions.
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...
3.7K