Conditions that affect sleep alter the expression of molecules associated with synaptic plasticity.
Many theories propose that sleep serves a purpose in synaptic plasticity. We tested the hypothesis, therefore, that manipulation of sleep would affect the expression of molecules known to be involved in synaptic plasticity. mRNA expression of four molecules [brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)] was determined after 8 h of sleep deprivation and after 6 h of a mild increase in ambient temperature, a condition that enhances sleep in rats. After sleep deprivation, BDNF, Arc, and tPA mRNAs in the cerebral cortex increased while MMP-9 mRNA levels decreased. Conversely, after enhanced ambient temperature, BDNF, Arc, and tPA mRNAs decreased while MMP-9 mRNA increased. In the hippocampus, sleep deprivation did not significantly affect BDNF and tPA expression, although Arc mRNA increased and MMP-9 mRNA decreased. Brain temperature enhancement decreased Arc mRNA levels in the hippocampus but did not affect BDNF, MMP-9, or tPA in this area. Results are consistent with the notion that sleep plays a role in synaptic plasticity.
Taishi
P
P
College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of VCAPP, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6520, USA.
Sanchez
C
C
Wang
Y
Y
Fang
J
J
Harding
J W
JW
Krueger
J M
JM
D000818:Animals; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000378:metabolism; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012892:Sleep Deprivation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism*; D013696:Temperature; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C092069:activity regulated cytoskeletal-associated protein; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9