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Hypothalamic MCH Neuron Activity Dynamics during Cataplexy of Narcolepsy
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425.
Eneuro
|April 19, 2020
Summary
Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons are not involved in initiating or maintaining cataplexy, a symptom of narcolepsy. These neurons show reduced activity during cataplexy episodes in orexin-deficient mice.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Orexin (hypocretin) deficiency causes narcolepsy with cataplexy.
- The role of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons in cataplexy is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the activity dynamics of MCH neurons during cataplexy in a mouse model of narcolepsy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized live animal deep-brain calcium imaging (GCaMP6s) in orexin-knockout mice.
- Recorded calcium (Ca2+) signals in genetically defined MCH neurons during different sleep-wake states and cataplexy.
Main Results:
- MCH neurons showed higher Ca2+ activity during REM sleep and active waking compared to NREM sleep.
- MCH neuron activity was significantly reduced during cataplexy.
- No prerequisite elevation of MCH neuron activity was observed before cataplexy onset.
Conclusions:
- MCH neurons are inactivated during cataplexy.
- MCH neurons do not appear to initiate or maintain cataplexy in orexin-knockout mice.
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