Optogenetic sleep enhancement improves fear-associated memory processing following trauma exposure in rats.

ABSTRACT: Sleep disturbances are commonly found in trauma-exposed populations. Additionally, trauma exposure results in fear-associated memory impairments. Given the interactions of sleep with learning and memory, we hypothesized that increasing sleep duration following trauma exposure would restore overall function and improve trauma-induced fear-associated memory dysfunction. Here, we utilized single prolonged stress, a validated rodent model of post-traumatic stress disorder, in combination with optogenetic activation of hypothalamic melanin-concentrating hormone containing cells to increase sleep duration. The goal of this work was to ascertain if post-trauma sleep increases are sufficient to improve fear-associated memory function. In our laboratory, optogenetic stimulation after trauma exposur

SUBMITTER: Davis CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7581760 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature