ATP-sensitive potassium channels alter glycolytic flux to modulate cortical activity and sleep

Abstract

Metabolism plays a key role in the maintenance of sleep/wake states. Brain lactate fluctuations are a biomarker of sleep/wake transitions, where increased interstitial fluid (ISF) lactate levels are associated with wakefulness and decreased ISF lactate is required for sleep. ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels couple glucose-lactate metabolism with excitability. Using mice lacking KATP channel activity (e.g., Kir6.2−/− mice), we explored how changes in glucose utilization affect cortical electroencephalography (EEG) activity and sleep/wake homeostasis. In the brain, Kir6.2−/− mice shunt glucose toward glycolysis, reducing neurotransmitter biosynthesis and dampening cortical EEG activity. Kir6.2−/− mice spent more time awake at the onset of the light period due to altered ISF lactate dynamics. Together, we show that Kir6.2-KATP channels act as metabolic sensors to gate arousal by maintaining the metabolic stability of sleep/wake states and providing the metabolic flexibility to transition between states.