how does the REM help create a sleep signal sent from the pons in the brain that helps to stop motor neurons in the spine when a person sleeps. Please help me! I am looking for detailed information right down to the certain proteins and such! I have searched everywhere and cannot find a detailed explanation
To understand how REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep helps create a sleep signal sent from the pons in the brain to stop motor neurons in the spine, we need to look at the interactions of various brain structures and neurotransmitters involved in regulating sleep.
1. Brainstem and Pons: The pons is a region in the brainstem that plays a critical role in sleep regulation. It contains neurons responsible for initiating REM sleep. These neurons are located in the subcoeruleus nucleus (SCN), a region within the pons.
2. Acetylcholine: One of the key neurotransmitters involved in REM sleep regulation is acetylcholine. During REM sleep, the neurons in the SCN release acetylcholine.
3. Motor Neurons: Motor neurons are specialized nerve cells that carry signals from the brain to the muscles, controlling their activity. These motor neurons extend from the spinal cord to various muscles throughout the body.
Now, here's a step-by-step explanation of how the REM sleep signal is sent to stop motor neurons during sleep:
1. Initiation of REM Sleep: The subcoeruleus nucleus (SCN) neurons in the pons become active and start releasing acetylcholine during REM sleep.
2. Activation of Pontine Reticular Formation (PRF): Acetylcholine released by the SCN neurons in the pons activates the Pontine Reticular Formation (PRF) in the brainstem. The PRF contains cholinergic neurons that project to various areas of the brain.
3. Inhibition of Motor Neurons: The cholinergic projections from PRF inhibit the motor neurons in the spinal cord, preventing them from sending signals to the muscles. This inhibition helps create the characteristic muscle atonia (temporary paralysis) observed during REM sleep. It ensures that we don't physically act out our dreams.
So, the pathway is as follows: SCN neurons in the pons release acetylcholine during REM sleep, which activates the PRF. The cholinergic projections from PRF then inhibit the motor neurons in the spinal cord, leading to muscle atonia during REM sleep.
It is worth noting that the exact mechanisms and proteins involved in this process are still an active area of research, and our current understanding is based on empirical evidence gathered through various studies and observations. Detailed knowledge regarding the specific proteins involved may require further research in the domain of sleep neurobiology.