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Immunofluorescence Staining Using IBA1 and TMEM119 for Microglial Density, Morphology and Peripheral Myeloid Cell Infiltration Analysis in Mouse Brain

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Microglia and Sleep Disorders

Katherine Picard^1,2,3, Kira Dolhan^3,4,5,6, Jyoti J Watters⁷

¹Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.

Advances in Neurobiology

|August 29, 2024

Abstract:

Sleep is a physiological state that is essential for maintaining physical and mental health. Sleep disorders and sleep deprivation therefore have many adverse effects, including an increased risk of metabolic diseases and a decline in cognitive function that may be implicated in the long-term development of neurodegenerative diseases. There is increasing evidence that microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), are involved in regulating the sleep-wake cycle and the CNS response to sleep alteration and deprivation. In this chapter, we will discuss the involvement of microglia in various sleep disorders, including sleep-disordered breathing, insomnia, narcolepsy, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, and idiopathic rapid-eye-movement sleep behavior disorder. We will also explore the impact of acute and chronic sleep deprivation on microglial functions. Moreover, we will look into the potential involvement of microglia in sleep disorders as a comorbidity to Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Insights

Microglia, the brain's immune cells, play a crucial role in regulating sleep and responding to sleep deprivation. This chapter explores their involvement in various sleep disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Immunology
Sleep Science

Background:

Sleep is vital for physical and mental health.
Sleep disorders and deprivation increase risks for metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases.
Microglia, the central nervous system (CNS) immune cells, are increasingly recognized for their role in sleep regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

To discuss the involvement of microglia in various sleep disorders.
To explore the impact of sleep deprivation on microglial functions.
To examine the potential role of microglia in sleep disorders comorbid with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Main Methods:

Literature review and synthesis of current research on microglia and sleep.
Analysis of studies investigating microglial involvement in specific sleep disorders.
Examination of research on the effects of acute and chronic sleep deprivation on microglia.

Main Results:

Microglia are implicated in regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
Sleep alterations and deprivation significantly impact microglial function.
Microglia may play a role in the pathophysiology of sleep disorders linked to neurodegeneration.

Conclusions:

Microglia are key players in CNS responses to sleep changes.
Understanding microglial roles is essential for addressing sleep disorders and associated neurodegenerative conditions.
Further research into microglia-sleep interactions holds therapeutic potential.

Read full analysis

Keywords:

Cognitive deficits Microglia Neurodegenerative diseases Sleep deprivation Sleep disorders

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