Homeostatic regulation of REM sleep by the preoptic area of the hypothalamus.

ABSTRACT: Rapid-eye-movement sleep (REMs) is characterized by activated electroencephalogram (EEG) and muscle atonia, accompanied by vivid dreams. REMs is homeostatically regulated, ensuring that any loss of REMs is compensated by a subsequent increase in its amount. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the homeostatic control of REMs are largely unknown. Here, we show that GABAergic neurons in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus projecting to the tuberomammillary nucleus (POA^GAD2→TMN neurons) are crucial for the homeostatic regulation of REMs. POA^GAD2→TMN neurons are most active during REMs, and inhibiting them specifically decreases REMs. REMs restriction leads to an increased number and amplitude of calcium transients in POA^GAD2→TMN neurons, reflecting the

SUBMITTER: Maurer J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10473649 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature