Summary: Researchers have identified two types of neurons in the brainstem responsible for inducing REM sleep, revealing insights into the mechanisms behind REM sleep behavior disorder and its connection to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease. By artificially activating these neurons in mice, researchers were able to induce REM sleep, while inhibiting them caused symptoms similar to those observed in REM sleep behavior disorder. The findings, published in Cell, highlight the potential for developing treatments for sleep disorders and related conditions.
Key Takeaways:
- Neuron Discovery: Scientists identified two types of neurons in the brainstem that control REM sleep induction, contributing to the understanding of REM sleep mechanisms.
- Link to Neurodegenerative Diseases: Inhibiting these neurons in mice led to REM sleep abnormalities similar to those seen in patients with Parkinson’s disease, highlighting the role of these neurons in REM sleep behavior disorder.
- Potential for New Treatments: These findings could pave the way for developing new prevention and treatment strategies for REM sleep disorders and neurodegenerative diseases linked to REM sleep dysfunction.
During rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, dreams are frequently seen. The induction of REM sleep was not well understood. Abnormalities in REM sleep precede various diseases.
Notably, REM sleep behavior disorder, in which patients physically act out dreams by moving and vocalizing during REM sleep, has been noted as an early symptom of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease. The cause of these abnormalities was unknown.
Identifying Neurons at Play
Herein, researchers in a new study published in Cell identified two neuron types in the brainstem (pons and medulla oblongata) that induce REM sleep. These neurons form circuits connecting to brain regions that control cerebral cortex activation, rapid eye movement, and muscle tone loss, all characteristic of REM sleep. Artificial activation of this circuit strongly induces REM sleep, even in awake mice.
Moreover, inhibiting these REM sleep-inducing cells in mice led to abnormalities similar to those observed in patients with Parkinson’s disease, such as body movements during REM sleep and a considerable reduction in REM sleep. Patients with Parkinson’s disease and REM sleep behavior disorder had fewer REM sleep-inducing cells in the brainstem, revealing a cause of the disorder.
These findings are expected to enhance our understanding of REM sleep mechanisms and significance, aiding in the development of new prevention and treatment methods for sleep disorders and related diseases.
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