Brain Matters the Podcast

Optogenetic activation of vM GABAergic neurons induces REM sleep

In our interview with Dr. Yang Dan, she described her research on the circuits involved in sleep. This video from her recent paper shows the induction of REM sleep via activation of a population of neurons in the ventral medulla, a part of the brain that has been linked to sleep. Promotion of REM sleep was specific to GABAergic (inhibitory) neurons in the ventral medulla. Activation of glutamatergic (excitatory) neurons in the same area induced wakefulness, not REM sleep.

Source:
Control of REM sleep by ventral medulla GABAergic Neurons
Nature 526, 435–438 (15 October 2015) doi:10.1038/nature14979