Deficient synaptic neurotransmission results in a persistent sleep-like cortical activity across vigilance states in mice

• DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.02.053
• Publication Date: 2025-03-20T19:25:58Z
• Authors: Mathilde C.C. Gui...; Christian D. Harding; Lukas B. Krone; Tomoko Yamagata; Martin C. Kahn; Cristina Blanco-D...; Gareth T. Banks; Peter Achermann; Cecilia Diniz Behn; Patrick M. Nolan; Stuart N. Peirson; Vladyslav V. Vyaz...
• Keywords: Vigilance (psychology); Sleep

Growing evidence suggests that brain activity during sleep, as well sleep regulation, are tightly linked with synaptic function and network excitability at the local global levels. We previously reported a mutation in synaptobrevin 2 (Vamp2) restless (rlss) mice results marked increase of wakefulness suppression particular REM (REMS), increased consolidation wakefulness. In this study, using finer-scale vivo electrophysiology recordings, we report spontaneous cortical rlss NREM (NREMS) is characterized by an occurrence abnormally prolonged periods complete neuronal silence (OFF-periods), often lasting several seconds, similar to burst pattern typically seen under deep anesthesia. Increased incidence OFF-periods was not specific NREMS but also present REMS wake mice. Slow-wave (SWA) generally relative controls, while higher frequencies, including theta-frequency activity, were decreased, further resulting diminished differences between vigilance states. The SWA after deprivation attenuated mice, suggesting either experience persistently elevated pressure or, alternatively, intrusion sleep-like patterns into state attenuates accumulation drive. propose deficit neurotransmitter release leads "state inertia," reflected abnormal propensity networks enter remain persistent "default state" resembling coma or