Role of serotonergic neurons in dorsal raphe nuclei in regulation of sleep

AIM To investigate the roles of serotonergic neurons in dorsal raphe nuclei (DRN) in sleep. METHODS Stereotaxic, microinjection and polysomnography (PSG) were used in the experiment. RESULTS Microinjection of L-glutanate (L-Glu) into the DRN decreased slow wave sleep (SWS) and paradoxical sleep (PS), and increased wake (W). Microinjection of kainic acid (KA) and p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) respectively into the DRN, SWS and PS were promoted, and W was reduced. CONCLUSION Serotonergic neurons in dorsal raphe nuclei involved in the regulation of sleep. Sleep was reduced when the serotonergic neurons were excited, and when the neurons were inhibited. sleep was increased