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Scientists have identified cells responsible for drowsiness and depression
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Scientists managed to identify a special group of cells in the hypothalamus, which are activated in response to light and able to support the brain of the person in a vigorous and active state. These cells produce the neurotransmitter hypocretin, the deficiency of which leads to chronic drowsiness and depressive conditions.
The cycle of "sleeping-wakefulness" of a person who obeys the rising and setting of the sun is easily knocked down by artificial lighting. Everyone knows that it is very difficult to fall asleep if there is a bright light around, and it's easy to fall asleep in the dark.
Scientists from the University of California (Los Angeles) found in the brain a group of cells whose function is to distinguish light from darkness.
These cells represent a group of neurons in the hypothalamus that regulate sleep and the autonomic nervous system, and also control the temperature of the body, the sensation of hunger and thirst. These cells produce the neurotransmitter gipokrenin (orexin). Previous studies have found that hypocretin deficiency leads to the development of narcolepsy and constant drowsiness, increases the risk of developing disease Parkinson's disease.
The experiment, which consisted in studying the behavior of mice with the switched off synthesis of hypocreatine, was performed in mice. The results of the study showed that animals with an inactive hypocreatin gene were not able to perform tasks in the light, but coped well with them in the dark.
The results of the research encourage scientists to conclude that hypocretin is a kind of energy: the cells of the hypothalamus, communicating with each other with the help of this substance, in response to light are capable of supporting the brain in the active state. These cells are the reason that it is difficult for us to fall asleep in bright light, and the deficiency of hypocreatine leads to constant drowsiness and depression.
In the future, scientists hope to create a drug that would be able to act on the cells that secrete hypocretin and fight sleepiness and depressive states.
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