A mathematical model of homeostatic regulation of sleep-wake cycles by hypocretin/orexin
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1
University of Marburg, Department of Physiology, Germany
A generally accepted concept of sleep regulation postulates that sleep-wake transitions result from the interaction between circadian and homeostatic processes. The circadian process is ascribed to the activity of the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, while the mechanism of the homeostati c process are still unclear.
In this study we present a concept of hypocretin/orexin-based control of sleep homeostasis. Hypocretin/orexin (hcrt/orx) is a neuropeptide which is produced in the lateral hypothalamus and its absence leads to the well-known sleep disorder narcolepsy. We propose that 1) high frequent impulse activity of the hcrt/ox neurons during the wake state is sustained by reciprocal excitatory connections with other, e.g. local glutamate neurons; 2) the transition to a silent state (sleep) is going along with a weakening of the hcrt/ox synaptic efficacy.
This concept has been realized in a mathematical model with Hodgkin-Huxley-type neurons and physiology-based synapses. The model is capable to simulate the neuronal activity which corresponds to the sleep-wake transitions and the effects of various disturbances. It offers a new approach for further evaluation of the physiological, especially homeostatic mechanisms of sleep-wake cycles on the basis of neuronal activity and synaptic transmission.
The work was supported by the European Union through the Network of Excellence BioSim contract No LSHB-CT-2004-005137.
Conference:
Neuroinformatics 2009, Pilsen, Czechia, 6 Sep - 8 Sep, 2009.
Presentation Type:
Poster Presentation
Topic:
Computational neuroscience
Citation:
Postnova
S,
Voigt
K and
Braun-Hans
A
(2019). A mathematical model of homeostatic regulation of sleep-wake cycles by hypocretin/orexin.
Front. Neuroinform.
Conference Abstract:
Neuroinformatics 2009.
doi: 10.3389/conf.neuro.11.2009.08.112
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Received:
25 May 2009;
Published Online:
09 May 2019.
*
Correspondence:
Svetlana Postnova, University of Marburg, Department of Physiology, Marburg, Germany, postnova@staff.uni-marburg.de