A consensus definition of cataplexy in mouse models of narcolepsy.
Title | A consensus definition of cataplexy in mouse models of narcolepsy. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2009 |
Authors | Scammell TE, Willie JT, Guilleminault C, Siegel JM |
Corporate Authors | International Working Group on Rodent Models of Narcolepsy |
Journal | Sleep |
Volume | 32 |
Issue | 1 |
Pagination | 111-6 |
Date Published | 2009 Jan |
ISSN | 0161-8105 |
Keywords | Animals, Cataplexy, Cerebral Cortex, Disease Models, Animal, Electroencephalography, Emotions, Hypothalamus, Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins, Mice, Muscle Hypotonia, Narcolepsy, Neuropeptides, Orexins, Signal Transduction |
Abstract | People with narcolepsy often have episodes of cataplexy, brief periods of muscle weakness triggered by strong emotions. Many researchers are now studying mouse models of narcolepsy, but definitions of cataplexy-like behavior in mice differ across labs. To establish a common language, the International Working Group on Rodent Models of Narcolepsy reviewed the literature on cataplexy in people with narcolepsy and in dog and mouse models of narcolepsy and then developed a consensus definition of murine cataplexy. The group concluded that murine cataplexy is an abrupt episode of nuchal atonia lasting at least 10 seconds. In addition, theta activity dominates the EEG during the episode, and video recordings document immobility. To distinguish a cataplexy episode from REM sleep after a brief awakening, at least 40 seconds of wakefulness must precede the episode. Bouts of cataplexy fitting this definition are common in mice with disrupted orexin/hypocretin signaling, but these events almost never occur in wild type mice. It remains unclear whether murine cataplexy is triggered by strong emotions or whether mice remain conscious during the episodes as in people with narcolepsy. This working definition provides helpful insights into murine cataplexy and should allow objective and accurate comparisons of cataplexy in future studies using mouse models of narcolepsy. |
Alternate Journal | Sleep |
PubMed ID | 19189786 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC2625315 |
Grant List | R01 MH061755 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States R01 NS055367 / NS / NINDS NIH HHS / United States R01 NS055367-08 / NS / NINDS NIH HHS / United States R01 NS057464 / NS / NINDS NIH HHS / United States |