Orexin signalling in the nucleus accumbens promotes arousal from isoflurane anaesthesia and restores communication between the nucleus accumbens and frontal cortex.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Orexin can induce arousal from general anaesthesia; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Nucleus accumbens (NAc), a downstream target of orexinergic neurones, plays a role in regulating consciousness. We aimed to clarify whether and how the NAc mediates the arousal effects of orexin.

Methods

Fibre photometry was used to track changes of orexinergic afferent activity during isoflurane anaesthesia and arousal from anaesthesia. Optogenetics was used to study the effects of orexinergic afferents to the NAc. Neuropharmacology approaches were used to assess receptor mechanisms. Optogenetics and in vivo electrophysiology were used to assess the influence of orexin on NAc neuronal firing and communication between the NAc and the frontal cortex.

SUBMITTER: Huo J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12674032 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature