The anatomical, cellular and synaptic basis of motor atonia during rapid eye movement sleep. (3rd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arrigoni, Elda; Chen, Michael C.; Fuller, Patrick M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of physiology. Volume 594:Number 19(2016:Oct.)
• Page Start: 5391
• Page End: 5414
• Publication Date: 2016-07-03
• Subjects: Physiology -- Periodicals; 612.005
• DOI: 10.1113/JP271324
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3751

Abstract

Abstract : Representative images of electroencephalographic (EEG) and electromyographic (EMG) changes during the transition from slow‐wave sleep (SWS) or non‐REM (NREM) sleep. During this time, the electroencephalogram transitions from a low frequency, high amplitude, slow‐wave enriched pattern to a theta‐enriched, high frequency, low amplitude pattern. At the same time, the electromyogram amplitude declines, reaching a minimal level (atonia). This electromyographic change is driven by projections from the REM sleep atonia circuit in the brainstem that inhibits motor neurons in the spinal cord or brainstem. Abstract: Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is a recurring part of the sleep–wake cycle characterized by fast, desynchronized rhythms in the electroencephalogram (EEG), hippocampal theta activity, rapid eye movements, autonomic activation and loss of postural muscle tone (atonia). The brain circuitry governing REM sleep is located in the pontine and medullary brainstem and includes ascending and descending projections that regulate the EEG and motor components of REM sleep. The descending signal for postural muscle atonia during REM sleep is thought to originate from glutamatergic neurons of the sublaterodorsal nucleus (SLD), which in turn activate glycinergic pre‐motor neurons in the spinal cord and/or ventromedial medulla to inhibit motor neurons. Despite work over the past two decades on many neurotransmitter systems that regulate the SLD, gaps remain in our knowledge of the synaptic basis by which SLD REM neurons are regulated and in turn produce REM sleep atonia. Elucidating the anatomical, cellular and synaptic basis of REM sleep atonia control is a critical step for treating many sleep‐related disorders including obstructive sleep apnoea (apnea), REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) and narcolepsy with cataplexy.