Even active brain cells during sleep and exploration in mice

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<div data-thumb = "https://3c1703fe8d.site.internapcdn.net/newman/csz/news/tmb/2019/samebraincel.jpg" data-src = "https://3c1703fe8d.site.internapcdn.net/ newman / gfx / news / 2019 / samebraincel.jpg "data-sub-html =" The mean fluorescence in MCH neurons is highest during REM sleep and exploratory behavior Credit: Blanco-Centurion et al., JNeurosci (2019) ">

The researchers mapped the activity of individual neurons located deep in the brain during sleep and the exploration of new objects in male and female mice. The study, published in JNeurosci, suggests that these cells can facilitate memory formation.

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons are active during REM sleep, when a dream occurs – and perhaps even a consolidation of memory. Carlos Blanco, Priyattam Shiromani and colleagues from the University of Medicine South Carolina and the Yale University School of Medicine reported that 70% of the neurons in the HME strongly activated during REM sleep were also active when mice explored interesting objects, such as a clipboard or a bottle cap. .

By recording the activity of pairs of MCH neurons, the researchers revealed a model of single-cell activity that could be used to compare the function of this network between different states of health and illness. In addition, as all vertebrates possess these cells, future studies on MCH neurons in animals other than mammals and birds could identify paradoxical sleep in various species.