Orexin induced modulation of REM sleep and its loss associated patho-physiological changes are mediated through locus coeruleus

Abstract

Orexinergic neurons are located in the perifornical (PeF) area and their projections have been reported in many areas in the brain including the hypothalamus and locus coeruleus (LC). Orexin is known to influence many patho-physiological processes, including REM sleep (REMS) and associated processes in health and diseases. Based on the findings/reports from this lab and that of others, we conclude that orexin-induced modulation (loss) of REMS and associated pathophysiological changes are mediated to a large extent at least by influencing the noradrenalin (NA)-ergic neurons in the LC, which possesses REM-OFF neurons.