Researchers have found a protein switch in the brain that seems
to be improving wakefulness and decreasing anxiety symptoms in laboratory
rats. Researchers hope that this protein called neuropeptide S (NPS)
could hold some of the answers to a better understanding of sleep
disorders, anxiety and depression.
Millions of people are afflicted by some type of sleep disorder
and anxiety. Researchers stressed the importance of understanding
the role of how molecular regulators work in both sleep/wake cycles
in order to find out treatment options for these disorders.
In a study using rats, researchers discovered that NPS was produced
in specific areas of the brain, particularly the ones that were
responsible for controlling wakefulness and anxiety. After the mice
were given NPS, they began to exhibit increased locomotor activity.
There was also a noticeable boost to their wakefulness and signs
of repressed sleep.
Levels of anxiety were also tested on the mice by administering
them NPS in stress-induced environments. Researchers set up an experiment
where the rats had to make the choice of going to either a stress-producing
area that lacked any light or to a dark area, which was perceived
as the "safe area." The mice that were given NPS displayed
less signs of fear while they were in the lit area.
EurekaAlert
August 18, 2004
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