[Role of serotonergic neurons in dorsal raphe nuclei in regulation of sleep].

AIM: To investigate the roles of serotonergic neurons in dorsal raphe nuclei (DRN) in sleep. METHODS: Stereotaxic, microinjection and polysomnography (PSG) were used in the experiment. RESULTS: Microinjection of L-glutanate (L-Glu) into the DRN decreased slow wave sleep (SWS) and paradoxical sleep (PS), and increased wake (W). Microinjection of kainic acid (KA) and p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) respectively into the DRN, SWS and PS were promoted, and W was reduced. CONCLUSION: Serotonergic neurons in dorsal raphe nuclei involved in the regulation of sleep. Sleep was reduced when the serotonergic neurons were excited, and when the neurons were inhibited. sleep was increased