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Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice
Published on: June 19, 2019
Neural circuits of torpor
1Division of Multicellular Circuit Dynamics, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, 444-8585, Japan. yamaguch@nips.ac.jp.
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Torpor is a reversible hypometabolic state marked by decreases in body temperature and energy expenditure. Leveraging advanced genetic and physiological techniques, recent studies have begun to identify hypothalamic and brainstem neurons that initiate and maintain this state. These tools nevertheless come with substantial limitations, and this manuscript discusses key interpretational caveats and practical considerations. Looking ahead, a central challenge is to test whether multi-day hibernation arises from retuning of the same core circuits that govern daily torpor.
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