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Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice
Published on: June 19, 2019
Orexin and MCH neurons: regulators of sleep and metabolism
Hanan Bouâouda1, Pawan Kumar Jha2
1Pharmacology Institute, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
Abstract:
Sleep-wake and fasting-feeding are tightly coupled behavioral states that require coordination between several brain regions. The mammalian lateral hypothalamus (LH) is a functionally and anatomically complex brain region harboring heterogeneous cell populations that regulate sleep, feeding, and energy metabolism. Significant attempts were made to understand the cellular and circuit bases of LH actions. Rapid advancements in genetic and electrophysiological manipulation help to understand the role of discrete LH cell populations. The opposing action of LH orexin/hypocretin and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons on metabolic sensing and sleep-wake regulation make them the candidate to explore in detail. This review surveys the molecular, genetic, and neuronal components of orexin and MCH signaling in the regulation of sleep and metabolism.
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