Sleep is a crucial period for the consolidation of memory and memories , but most people do not get enough sleep. We know from much research that even depriving a few hours of rest can lead to impaired memory formation.
However, a new study in mice by a team at the University of Pennsylvania has discovered the specific group of cells belonging to a small region of the brain responsible for memory problems caused by sleep loss. Scientists have also seen that by increasing the levels of molecular signals in these cells, memory deficits can be avoided.
The team led by Robbert Havekes has focused on finding out whether the impact of lack of rest could be mediated by certain neural circuits . They suspected that the hippocampus, the brain region involved in spatial orientation and contextual memory, would play a crucial role.
Well, they have confirmed that only excitable neurons in the hippocampus expressed the cAMP receptor and could increase its levels in those cells by injecting mice with octopamine. This opens up a field for the investigation of genetic and pharmacological solutions for forgetfulness caused by insomnia and other sleep disorders.
