REM sleep signs rostral to chronic transections at the pontomedullary junction.

TitleREM sleep signs rostral to chronic transections at the pontomedullary junction.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1984
AuthorsSiegel JM, Nienhuis R, Tomaszewski KS
JournalNeurosci Lett
Volume45
Issue3
Pagination241-6
Date Published1984 Apr 06
ISSN0304-3940
KeywordsAnimals, Cats, Electroencephalography, Evoked Potentials, Geniculate Bodies, Hippocampus, Medulla Oblongata, Neural Pathways, Occipital Lobe, Pons, Sleep, REM
Abstract

The brainstems of 3 cats were transected at the ponto-medullary junction and the cats maintained in stable condition for periods of from 16 to 31 days. After transection, all of these cats had periods in which forebrain sensorimotor cortex, olfactory bulb, hippocampus, eye movement and lateral geniculate recordings exhibited the pattern of activity seen only in REM sleep in the intact cat. We conclude that medullary regions are not required to generate these signs of REM sleep. The pons is necessary for REM sleep and is sufficient to produce REM sleep signs in rostral as well as caudal brain regions. However, the medulla may contribute to regulation of the duration and periodicity of REM sleep.

DOI10.1016/0304-3940(84)90233-7
Alternate JournalNeurosci Lett
PubMed ID6728317
Grant ListNS14610 / NS / NINDS NIH HHS / United States