Sleep-wake regulation is altered in leptin-resistant (db/db) genetically obese and diabetic mice

AD Laposky, MA Bradley, DL Williams… - American Journal …, 2008 - journals.physiology.org
AD Laposky, MA Bradley, DL Williams, J Bass, FW Turek
American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and …, 2008journals.physiology.org
Recent epidemiological and clinical studies indicate that the control of sleep-wake states
may be an important factor in the regulation of energy metabolism. Leptin is a peripherally
synthesized hormone that has critical signaling properties in the brain for the control of long-
term energy homeostasis. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that leptin signaling
exerts a role in sleep-wake regulation and that leptin may represent an important
mechanistic link in the coordination of sleep-wake states and metabolism. Sleep-wake …
Recent epidemiological and clinical studies indicate that the control of sleep-wake states may be an important factor in the regulation of energy metabolism. Leptin is a peripherally synthesized hormone that has critical signaling properties in the brain for the control of long-term energy homeostasis. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that leptin signaling exerts a role in sleep-wake regulation and that leptin may represent an important mechanistic link in the coordination of sleep-wake states and metabolism. Sleep-wake patterns were recorded in a genetic mouse model of obesity and diabetes, the db/db mouse, which harbors a mutation in a particular isoform of the leptin receptor (long form, LRb). We found that db/db mice exhibit a variety of alterations in sleep regulation, including an increase in overall sleep time, a dramatic increase in sleep fragmentation, attenuated diurnal rhythmicity in rapid eye movement sleep and non-rapid eye movement EEG delta power (a measure of sleep homeostatic drive), and a decrease in the compensatory response to acute (i.e., 6 h) sleep deprivation. The db/db mice also generated low amounts of locomotor activity and a reduction in the diurnal rhythm of activity. These results indicate that impaired leptin signaling has deleterious effects on the regulation of sleep amount, sleep architecture, and temporal consolidation of these arousal states. In summary, leptin may represent an important molecular component in the integration of sleep, circadian rhythms, and energy metabolism.
American Physiological Society