The brain is equipped with special "sleep" neurons
Last reviewed: 04.09.2021
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Scientists have discovered in the brain special "watch" cells responsible for the depth and duration of sleep.
The electrical activity of brain cells is determined in the form of specific rhythms (α, β, γ, etc.). These rhythms differ in frequency, amplitude, combinations depending on the goals set. For example, when a person is asleep , the brain rhythm is inhibited.
Scientists at the University of California have discovered new neurons that allow the brain to maintain sleep inhibition. In principle, these are not entirely new cells, but already known astrocytes - glial structures of the nervous system, of which there are quite a lot in the brain - up to 30% of all cells. However, until now, it was generally accepted that their main function is the nutrition of neurons, their support. Now scientists have proven that astrocytes are directly involved in the electrical activity of neurons. In particular, they provide support in the brain for specific electrical vibrations, without which higher cognitive functions are impossible. In addition, the cells also support the electrical vibrations that are responsible for sleep.
Experts conducted experiments on rodents. The astrocytes of the mice were transformed so that they were amenable to stimulation when needed. When the rodent fell asleep, the scientists stimulated astrocytic activity, which led to more inhibition of slow oscillations. Due to this, the mouse sleep became longer and deeper.
In addition, it was found that cells are able to adjust the duration and depth of sleep in different ways. Astrocytes are equipped with two receptor variations. When the first variation is stimulated, the brain will sleep for a long time, but the depth of sleep will not change. When the second variation is stimulated, sleep will become deeper, but will not be longer. A similar effect is due to the unification of all astrocytes into a single extensive system: by acting on the cells from one end of the system, changes can be noted from the other end of the system. It is likely that this discovery will allow, over time, to develop any drugs for the treatment of various sleep disorders. It is no secret that sleep disorders also directly affect the quality of memory and learning, appetite and functioning of the nervous system, and the psycho-emotional state of a person. Therefore, this topic is very important for doctors of many specialties.
But it would be a mistake to believe that only astrocytes are responsible for the quality of sleep. This process involves a whole neural mechanism in conjunction with hormonal neurotransmitters that regulate circadian rhythms.
Before embarking on further research, scientists have to determine whether the results of the discovery can be applied to humans, because the experiment was carried out with the participation of rodents.
Original Source of Information: Elifesciences