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Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice
Published on: June 19, 2019
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VTA dopaminergic neurons regulate ethologically relevant sleep-wake behaviors
Ada Eban-Rothschild1, Gideon Rothschild2, William J Giardino1
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
Nature Neuroscience
|September 6, 2016
Summary
Dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are crucial for wakefulness. Inhibiting these neurons suppresses arousal, while stimulating them promotes wakefulness and nesting behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Research
- Behavioral Biology
Background:
- Dopaminergic ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons are implicated in arousal-dependent behaviors.
- The direct causal role of VTA dopaminergic neurons in wakefulness generation and maintenance remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal role of VTA dopaminergic neurons in controlling wakefulness and sleep-related behaviors.
- To determine how VTA dopaminergic circuitry modulates arousal states.
Main Methods:
- Fiber photometry for calcium activity recording in freely behaving mice.
- Chemogenetic and optogenetic manipulations.
- Polysomnographic recordings to assess sleep-wake states.
Main Results:
- VTA dopaminergic neuron activity is altered based on arousal state.
- Inhibition of VTA dopaminergic neurons suppressed wakefulness, even with salient stimuli, but promoted nesting behavior before sleep.
- Optogenetic stimulation of VTA dopaminergic neurons induced and maintained wakefulness, suppressing sleep and nesting behavior.
Conclusions:
- VTA dopaminergic neurons are essential for maintaining the awake state.
- These neurons play a differential role in modulating arousal via distinct projections.
- VTA dopaminergic circuitry is fundamental for both wakefulness and ethologically relevant sleep-related behaviors.
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