Hypothalamic control of arousal
摘要
The hypothalamus is a federation of nuclei with a broad range of homeostatic functions, including regulation of sleep and arousal. Here we review how reciprocal interactions between excitatory neurons in the lateral hypothalamus expressing Hypocretins/orexins (Hcrt), melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), inhibitory populations in the ventrolateral preoptic area as well as neuronal groups in the arcuate and paraventricular nuclei integrate emotional, circadian, metabolic and homeostatic sleep need to provide sleep/wake stability. A deeper understanding of these circuits will help the treatment of highly prevalent sleep disorders.