Dynamic Network Activation of Hypothalamic MCH Neurons in REM Sleep and Exploratory Behavior.

ABSTRACT: Most brain neurons are active in waking, but hypothalamic neurons that synthesize the neuropeptide melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) are claimed to be active only during sleep, particularly rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Here we use deep-brain imaging to identify changes in fluorescence of the genetically encoded calcium (Ca²⁺) indicator GCaMP6 in individual hypothalamic neurons that contain MCH. An in vitro electrophysiology study determined a strong relationship between depolarization and Ca²⁺ fluorescence in MCH neurons. In 10 freely behaving MCH-cre mice (male and female), the highest fluorescence occurred in all recorded neurons (n = 106) in REM sleep relative to quiet waking or non-REM sleep. Unexpectedly, 70% of the MCH neurons had strong fluor

SUBMITTER: Blanco-Centurion C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6670248 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature