Sleep deprivation stimulates serotonin release in the suprachiasmatic nucleus.
Recent literature suggests that sleep deprivation has a general stimulatory effect on the central serotonergic system. Herein we report that in hamsters, sleep deprivation induced by gentle handling for 3 h under dim red light at midday stimulates serotonin release in the suprachiasmatic nuclei by as much as 171%. Basal levels of 5-HT release are re-established within 1 h after cessation of treatment. Sleep deprivation also evokes phase advances of the circadian activity rhythm averaging 2 h. When sleep deprivation is undertaken in bright light, serotonin release is stimulated, but phase-shifting is greatly inhibited. It is therefore proposed that if the phase-resetting response to sleep deprivation is mediated by increased serotonin release, light inhibits the phase-resetting effect by blocking the postsynaptic or other downstream actions of serotonin.
Grossman
G H
GH
Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, OH 44242-0001, USA.
Mistlberger
R E
RE
Antle
M C
MC
Ehlen
J C
JC
Glass
J D
JD
D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D006224:Cricetinae; D008297:Male; D008647:Mesocricetus; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D012892:Sleep Deprivation / Q000378:metabolism*; D013493:Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism*
D012701:Serotonin