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VIP interneuron activity during sleep conveys the cortical infraslow oscillation
Kilian Rolle1, Louisa Weber1, Jan Born2
1Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076 BW, Germany.
Cell Reports
|December 12, 2025
Summary
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) interneurons show unique infraslow rhythms during sleep. These VIP cell dynamics are linked to sleep spindles, suggesting a key role in memory consolidation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Research
- Cellular Neuroscience
Background:
- Sleep is crucial for memory consolidation, involving specific cortical circuit regulation.
- Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-positive interneurons modulate cortical activity by inhibiting other interneurons, disinhibiting pyramidal cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the activity patterns of layer 2/3 VIP interneurons during different sleep stages (SWS, REM) and oscillations (spindles, SOs) in mice.
- To explore the role of VIP interneurons in regulating infraslow brain rhythms during sleep.
Main Methods:
- In vivo two-photon calcium imaging in naturally sleeping male mice.
- Quantification of VIP interneuron activity across wake, SWS, REM sleep, spindles, and slow oscillations (SOs).
Main Results:
- VIP interneuron activity was lowest during SWS and increased during spindles and SOs.
- A consistent infraslow (∼0.02-Hz) rhythm was observed in VIP activity across all states.
- This VIP infraslow rhythm was inversely phase-coupled to spindle activity during SWS, a pattern not seen in SST or PV interneurons.
Conclusions:
- VIP interneurons exhibit unique infraslow oscillatory dynamics during sleep.
- These VIP cell dynamics are specifically coupled to sleep spindles, suggesting a distinct regulatory role in cortical circuits.
- VIP interneurons may uniquely facilitate memory processing through infraslow spindle-related regulation during sleep.
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