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

Episode 37 - Sleep Circuits with Dr. Yang Dan

On This episode of Brain Matters, Anthony talked with Dr. Yang Dan (Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and Professor of Neurobiology, UC Berkeley). Yang studies the circuits in the brain that control sleep. Perk up your cochlea and jump into this great conversation.

Music on today’s episode by PERSONA LA AVE, death’s dynamic shroud.wmv, and HKE

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