| The aim of this study is to identify a possible function of Active Sleep (AS) as a protective state during early Central Nervous System (CNS) development. Previous research suggests pharmacological agents that inhibit high levels of neuronal activity in the CNS (e.g. benzodiazepines, ethanol, and anesthetics) precipitate massive CNS programmed cell death (PCD), in developing mammals. AS is characterized by high levels of CNS activity at levels comparable to waking. AS occupies up to 75% of the circadian cycle in developing mammals [rodents from postnatal days 1 to 14 days (p1–p14), and in humans from prenatal month 7 to postnatal year 1]. Many studies have implicated AS as having an important role in the normal development of the visual system and have documented a myriad of behavioral anomalies as a result of AS deprivation. Reduced adult brain mass has also been observed after AS deprivation in developing rats during this period, however, no study to date has documented this process as it occurs (i.e., the cellular mechanisms that result in behavioral anomalies or reduced adult brain mass). The purpose of this study is to begin documentation of this process by utilizing histological techniques that identify the PCD process, if it occurs, after acute and prolonged AS deprivation in rats from ages p7 to p12 (a time of active synaptogenesis). Our methodology includes utilization of the alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonist clonidine, and the selective serotonin reuptake blocker clomipramine to deprive rat pups of AS at ages varying from p7 to p12. Data from our laboratory has shown that an acute exposure to clonidine significantly reduces time spent in AS. Animals that were AS deprived demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in brain mass and have stained positively for PCD above normal levels. |
