Effect of sleep/wake state on arterial blood pressure in genetically identical mice

Genetic determinants may contribute to the large variability in arterial blood pressure responses to changes in sleep/wake state in humans. In this study, we developed techniques to examine the relationship between sleep/wake state and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in unrestrained, genetically identical mice (C57BL/6J; n = 9). The left common carotid artery was catheterized, and arterial blood gases were analyzed 24-48 h postsurgery to verify normal respiratory and metabolic function. The animals were then allowed to cycle naturally through sleep/wake states over a 3- to 4-h period while continuous polysomnography and arterial pressure measurements were made. The MAP decreased from quiet wakefulness to non-rapid-eye-movement sleep (9.8 +/- 1.3 mmHg; P < 0.001) and further decreased from non-rapid-eye-movement to rapid-eye-movement sleep (9.7 +/- 1.8 mmHg; P < 0.001). We conclude that the inbred strain of C57BL/6J mice exhibits significant and consistent changes in MAP related to sleep/wake state. Future studies can compare responses in this strain of mice with those in other inbred or transgenic mice to determine whether specific genes regulate arterial blood pressure responses to sleep/wake state.