Galanin neurons in the ventrolateral preoptic area promote sleep and heat loss in mice.

ABSTRACT: The preoptic area (POA) is necessary for sleep, but the fundamental POA circuits have remained elusive. Previous studies showed that galanin (GAL)- and GABA-producing neurons in the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO) express cFos after periods of increased sleep and innervate key wake-promoting regions. Although lesions in this region can produce insomnia, high frequency photostimulation of the POA^GAL neurons was shown to paradoxically cause waking, not sleep. Here we report that photostimulation of VLPO^GAL neurons in mice promotes sleep with low frequency stimulation (1-4 Hz), but causes conduction block and waking at frequencies above 8 Hz. Further, optogenetic inhibition reduces sleep. Chemogenetic activation of VLPO^GAL neurons confirms the increase i

SUBMITTER: Kroeger D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6175893 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature