The Kir channel in the nucleus tractus solitarius integrates the chemosensory system with REM sleep executive machinery for homeostatic balance.

ABSTRACT: The locus coeruleus (LC), nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), and retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) are critical chemosensory regions in the brainstem. In the LC, acid-sensing ion channels and proton pumps serve as H⁺ sensors and facilitate the transition from non-rapid eye movement (NREM) to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Interestingly, the potassium inward rectifier (KIR) channels in the LC, NTS, and RTN also act as H⁺-sensors and are a primary target for improving sleep in obstructive sleep apnea and Rett syndrome patients. However, the role of Kir channels in NREM to REM sleep transition for H⁺ homeostasis is not known. Male Wistar rats were surgically prepared for chronic sleep-wake recording and drug delivery into the LC, NTS, and RTN. In different animal c

SUBMITTER: Mir FA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11408532 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature