The hypothalamus, an essential part of the brain’s complex interior, plays a fundamental role in homeostasis regulation. The preoptic area (POA) and lateral hypothalamus (LHA), respectively, are determined to be two different sections within this extraordinary structure that control alertness and sleep.nn
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and galanin (GAL) are specifically located in the ventral lateral preoptic region (VLPO) of the preoptic area to aid in sleep promotion. Orexin neurons, on the other hand, are found in the LHA and are essential for maintaining awake. These interrelated areas of the hypothalamus work together to properly balance alert awareness and restful sleep.
In a study using mice, researchers made the following intriguing discovery: VLPOGABA and VLPOGAL neurons form direct connections, or synapses, with orexin neurons in the LHA. Additionally, they identified numerous groups of neurons that project to VLPOGABA and VLPOGAL neurons and are thought to regulate their activity. Notably, these neuron groups were most prominent in the preoptic area and LHA.n
Furthermore, when researchers artificially stimulated only the wakefulness.n
The findings are published in The Journal of Neuroscience.
More information:
Kseniia Prokofeva et al, Structure and Function of Neuronal Circuits Linking Ventrolateral Preoptic Nucleus and Lateral Hypothalamic Area, The Journal of Neuroscience (2023). DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1913-22.2023