Tonic inhibition and ponto-geniculo-occipital-related activities shape abducens motoneuron discharge during REM sleep.

摘要: Eye movements, ponto-geniculo-occipital (PGO) waves, muscular atonia and desynchronized cortical activity are the main characteristics of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Although movements designate this phase, little is known about oculomotor system during REM In work, we recorded binocular by scleral search-coil technique identified abducens (ABD) motoneurons along sleep–wake cycle in behaving cats. The ABD sleep was characterized a tonic decrease their mean firing rate throughout period, short bursts pauses coinciding with occurrence PGO waves. We demonstrate that discharge due to an active inhibition motoneurons, primary secondary waves induced pattern simultaneous but opposed phasic activation on each nucleus. With regard failed codify position as alertness, continued velocity. activations inhibitions shown coincide those reported other non-oculomotor indicating – contrary what has been accepted until now not different from motor systems sleep, all receiving similar command signals period.