Sleep spindles are generated in the absence of T-type calcium channel-mediated low-threshold burst firing of thalamocortical neurons

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1320572110
• Publication Date: 2013-11-27T04:29:43Z
• Authors: Jungryun Lee; Kiyeong Song; Kyoobin Lee; Joohyeon Hong; Hyojung Lee; Sangmi Chae; Eunji Cheong; Hee-Sup Shin
• Keywords: Sleep spindle; Bursting; Tonic (physiology); Thalamic reticular nucleus; Reticular connective tissue

Significance This study addresses one of the most fundamental issues in sleep rhythm generation. The theory that low-threshold burst firing mediated by T-type calcium channels thalamocortical neurons is key component for spindles, has been accepted as dogma and appears throughout literature. In this study, however, vivo vitro evidence shows spindles are generated normally absence neurons. Furthermore, our data indicate a potentially important role tonic advances knowledge vigilance control to another level understanding.