Evidence for Electrical Coupling in the SubCoeruleus (SubC) Nucleus.
J Neurophysiol
; 97(4): 3142-7, 2007 Apr.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-17215497
ABSTRACT
SubCoeruleus (SubC) neurons, which are thought to modulate rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, were recorded in brain stem slices from 7- to 20-day rats and found to manifest spikelets, indicative of electrical coupling. Spikelets occurred spontaneously or could be induced by superfusion of the cholinergic agonist carbachol. Whole cell recordings revealed that carbachol induced membrane oscillations and spikelets in the theta frequency range in SubC neurons in the presence of fast synaptic blockers. Electrical coupling in neurons is mediated by the gap junction protein connexin 36 (Cx 36). We found that Cx 36 gene expression and protein in the mesopontine tegmentum decreased during development. Cx 36 protein levels specifically in the SubC decreased in concert with the developmental decrease in REM sleep. The presence of electrical coupling in the SubC introduces a novel potential mechanism of action for the regulation of sleep-wake states.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Locus Cerúleo
Limite:
Animals
/
Pregnancy
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Neurophysiol
Ano de publicação:
2007
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos