Too little sleep gradually desensitizes the serotonin 1A receptor system
In our 24-hour society, frequently disrupted and restricted sleep is a rapidly increasing problem that may contribute to the development of diseases such as depression. One of the proposed neurobiological mechanisms underlying depression is a disturbance in the brain's serotonergic neurotransmi...
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Veröffentlicht in: | Sleep (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2005-12, Vol.28 (12), p.1505-1510 |
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Zusammenfassung: | In our 24-hour society, frequently disrupted and restricted sleep is a rapidly increasing problem that may contribute to the development of diseases such as depression. One of the proposed neurobiological mechanisms underlying depression is a disturbance in the brain's serotonergic neurotransmission, particularly a desensitization of the serotonin (5-HT)1A receptor system. However, a relationship between chronic sleep loss and changes in (5-HT)1A receptors has not been established yet. Therefore, in the present study, we experimentally tested the hypothesis that chronic sleep restriction leads to desensitization of the (5-HT)1A receptor system.
Rats were subjected to a schedule of restricted sleep allowing them 4 hours of sleep per day. Sleep restriction was achieved by placing the animals in slowly rotating wheels. The sensitivity of the (5-HT)1A receptor system was examined by measuring the hypothermic response to a standard injection of a 1A agonist.
After 2 days of restricted sleep, the sensitivity of the (5-HT)1A receptor system was not yet affected; however, after 8 days of sleep restriction, it was desensitized. Control experiments indicated that the effect of sleep restriction was not due to forced activity or stress. Importantly, the desensitization of the (5-HT)1A system persisted for many days even with unlimited recovery sleep. Normalization occurred gradually but required at least 7 days.
Chronic sleep restriction causes a gradual and persistent desensitization of the (5-HT)1A receptor system. This finding provides a link between chronic sleep loss and sensitivity for disorders that are associated with altered serotonergic neurotransmission. |
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ISSN: | 0161-8105 1550-9109 1550-9109 |
DOI: | 10.1093/sleep/28.12.1505 |