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REM sleep-active MCH neurons are involved in forgetting hippocampus-dependent memories

Shuntaro Izawa1,2,3,4, Srikanta Chowdhury1,2,3, Toh Miyazaki1,2,3,4

  • 1Department of Neuroscience II, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|October 12, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Melanin concentrating hormone neurons actively promote forgetting during REM sleep. Inhibiting these hypothalamic neurons improves memory without disrupting sleep quality, revealing a key forgetting mechanism.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Sleep Science
  • Memory Research

Background:

  • Neural mechanisms of memory regulation during sleep remain unclear.
  • The role of specific neuronal populations in memory consolidation and forgetting is an active area of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of melanin concentrating hormone-producing neurons (MCH neurons) in memory regulation during REM sleep.
  • To determine if MCH neurons actively contribute to forgetting processes in the hippocampus.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized optogenetic and chemogenetic techniques to manipulate MCH neuron activity in rodents.
  • Recorded neuronal activity in the hippocampus during REM sleep.
  • Assessed hippocampus-dependent memory performance following MCH neuron manipulation.
  • Examined the direct effects of MCH neuron activation on hippocampal pyramidal neuron firing in vitro.

Main Results:

  • Activation of hypothalamic MCH neurons impaired hippocampus-dependent memory.
  • Inhibition of MCH neurons improved memory performance.
  • MCH neurons directly innervate the dorsal hippocampus and inhibit pyramidal neuron activity.
  • REM sleep-active MCH neurons are distinct from wake-active populations and their inhibition during REM sleep enhances memory without altering sleep architecture.

Conclusions:

  • Hypothalamic MCH neurons play a crucial role in active forgetting during REM sleep.
  • MCH neuron activity in the hippocampus during REM sleep actively suppresses memory consolidation.
  • Targeting MCH neurons presents a potential avenue for modulating memory processes.

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