Different neurons in the basal forebrain regulate sleep-wake

Abstract

The basal forebrain is a heterogeneous structure at the base of the brain that participates in the regulation of sleep-wake, cognition, consciousness, and attention. Previous studies have suggested that these functions are mainly mediated by cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain. With advances in research techniques, the understanding of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, as well as GABAergic neurons and glutamatergic neurons, is deepened. The role of different neurons in the basal forebrain in the regulation of sleep-wake is summarized in this article. GABAergic neurons play a key role in promoting wakefulness, cholinergic neurons play an important role in sleep-wake homeostasis, and glutamatergic neurons provide excitation signals to other neurons. Key words: Basal forebrain; Sleep arousal disorders; Neurons