Median preoptic GABA and glutamate neurons exert differential control over sleep behavior

Abstract

Previous studies suggest that the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) of the hypothalamus plays an important role in regulating the wake-sleep cycle and, in particular, homeostatic sleep drive. However, the precise cellular phenotypes, targets, and central mechanisms by which the MnPO neurons regulate the wake-sleep cycle remain unknown. Both excitatory and inhibitory MnPO neurons innervate brain regions implicated in sleep promotion and maintenance, suggesting that both cell types may participate in sleep control. Using genetically targeted approaches, we investigated the role of the MnPO GABAergic (MnPOVgat) and glutamatergic (MnPOVglut2) neurons in modulating wake-sleep behavior of mice. We found that both neuron populations differentially participate in wake-sleep control, with MnPOVgat neurons being involved in sleep homeostasis and MnPOVglut2 neurons facilitating sleep during allostatic (stressful) challenges.