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Prolactin and rapid eye movement sleep regulation
1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Tennessee, Memphis 38163, USA.
Sleep
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Prolactin (PRL) plays a role in regulating rapid eye movement sleep (REMS). Both central and circulating PRL influence REMS, with hypothalamic PRL being particularly important for sleep regulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Accumulating data suggest prolactin (PRL) involvement in rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) regulation.
- Pituitary PRL secretion is partly sleep-dependent, and PRL is present in the central nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of prolactin (PRL) in the regulation of rapid eye movement sleep (REMS).
Main Methods:
- Systemic and intracerebroventricular injections of PRL in animal models (rats, cats, rabbits).
- Stimulation of endogenous PRL secretion using vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP).
- Immunoneutralization of circulating PRL.
- Observation of hypoprolactinemic and hyperprolactinemic rat models.
Main Results:
- Systemic PRL administration promotes REMS in rats, cats, and rabbits.
- Central administration of PRL enhances REMS in rats.
- VIP-induced PRL secretion promotes REMS.
- Reduced REMS observed following immunoneutralization of blood-borne PRL.
- PRL influences diurnal REMS rhythms.
Conclusions:
- Prolactin (PRL) has a significant role in the regulation of rapid eye movement sleep (REMS).
- Hypothalamic PRL is likely more critical for sleep regulation than circulating PRL.
- Hypothalamic PRL mediates the REMS-promoting effects of VIP.