The gut vagal sensory pathway drives postprandial sleep via activation of PVH-projecting GABAergic neurons in the NTS.

ABSTRACT: Feeding status bidirectionally modulates sleep; however, the neural circuitry that integrates the sensing of gastrointestinal (GI) state and sleep remains poorly understood. The afferent fibers of the vagus nerve extensively innervate the GI tract, transmitting postprandial satiety signals to the brain. This study investigates the key role of the upper gut-innervating vagal sensory neurons in modulating sleep-wake states and promoting postprandial sleep, uncovering the underlying circuit mechanisms. Both feeding and activation of stomach/duodenum-innervating vagal sensory neurons reduce wakefulness and increase NREM sleep in male mice. Conversely, chemogenetic inhibition abolished the sleep-promoting effects of feeding. Using anterograde transsynaptic tracing, single-nucleus RNA sequencing

SUBMITTER: Chen K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12717129 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature