Articles tagged with Orexin
A new study suggests that specific brain waves during sleep provide protection against the cognitive decline associated with elevated levels of the neurotransmitter orexin. Individuals with stronger sleep spindles and sleep oscillations during nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep had less cognitive decline over time.
Researchers investigated brain mechanisms that maintain balance between intimidation and physical aggression in mice. Projections from the lateral hypothalamus to the dorsal raphe nucleus play a critical role in preserving this balance. Increasing pathway activity led to increased attacks, while inhibiting it decreased attack bites.
Researchers at University of Arizona Health Sciences identified a potential way to reduce female post-operative pain by inhibiting pituitary prolactin. Stress can increase circulating levels of prolactin, leading to worsened post-operative pain in women.
Studies in mice reveal that orexin plays a key role in deciding between physical activity and consuming food, particularly when both options are available. By understanding this process, scientists aim to develop strategies to overcome exercise barriers and address the global obesity epidemic.
A UCLA Health study discovered that suvorexant, an insomnia medication, blocks brain receptors for hypocretin and prevents opioid addiction in mice. The drug maintains behavioral alertness at lower doses than those inducing sleep. Further studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in humans with opioid use disorder.
A study found that suvorexant, an orexin receptor antagonist, increased fat oxidation and decreased protein catabolism during sleep in healthy men. The effect persisted after waking up, suggesting a potential clinical use for orexin receptor antagonists in managing energy metabolism.
Researchers have discovered that clown loaches and zebrafish can control their sleep-wake rhythm without relying on orexin, contradicting the long-held assumption that vertebrates share similar mechanisms. This finding reshapes our understanding of sleep and wake regulation in vertebrates.
Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered that orexin neurons directly influence emotional state through pupil size. This finding opens new avenues for medical treatment and diagnosis of sleep disorders like narcolepsy and other neurological conditions.
A preclinical study found that suvorexant reduced prescription opioid intake and helped protect against relapse in rats modeling opioid use disorder. The insomnia drug could offer a promising approach for the millions of people affected by OUD.
Researchers have identified a possible way to help break the cycle between sleep disturbances and Alzheimer's disease. A small study found that people who took a sleeping aid experienced a drop in key Alzheimer's proteins.
Researchers believe that changes in the brain's orexin system promote drug-seeking behavior and that existing insomnia treatments could reduce or eliminate cravings. Studies have shown that blocking this system reverses addiction in animals and reduces opioid cravings in human subjects.
Researchers have discovered a new sleep molecule, microRNA-137 (miR-137), that regulates hypocretin levels for normal sleep. The study found that miR-137 is associated with hypocretin regulation and sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and insomnia.
Scientists have developed a genetically encoded biosensor called OxLight1, which enables them to study the action and release mechanisms of neuropeptides like orexin in living mice. The researchers found that the level of orexin release correlates with neuronal activity, revealing previously invisible aspects of healthy brain function.
Mice sleep-deprived for research show increased preference for lower doses of cocaine, while rested mice do not. Blocking the orexin system reduces the increased cocaine preference driven by sleep deprivation.
A recent study compared two insomnia treatments, brotizolam and suvorexant, finding they improved sleep efficiency but had varying impacts on balance. Orexin receptor antagonists like suvorexant may have fewer side effects than commonly prescribed hypnotics.
Researchers from IDIBELL discovered a negative correlation between orexin A and executive functions in anorexic patients, highlighting potential roles for this neuropeptide in eating disorders and cognitive processes. The study's findings may contribute to the development of biomarkers with clinical applications.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that hypocretin, a hormone regulating wakefulness, also controls the production of inflammatory white blood cells. This discovery suggests that insufficient sleep increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by disrupting this process.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown mechanism between the brain, bone marrow, and blood vessels that appears to protect against hardening of arteries when sleep is healthy. Disrupted sleep leads to increased inflammation and atherosclerosis in mice, highlighting the importance of quality sleep for cardiovascular health.
A study in rats found that increased orexin neurons contribute to cocaine addiction and that restoring these neurons or blocking their signaling can reverse addiction. The findings suggest a promising avenue for treating addiction with orexin-based therapies.
A study by Rutgers Brain Health Institute discovered that the hypothalamus' 'orexin' neurons play a key role in controlling food motivation. Orexin blockers have shown promise in reducing binge-like eating episodes, providing new hope for treatment options.
Researchers discovered heroin addicts have more hypocretin-producing neurons than controls, while morphine reversed cataplexy symptoms in narcoleptic mice. Increasing hypocretin levels may serve as a treatment strategy for narcolepsy and potentially combat opiate addiction.
Researchers found that people with heroin addiction have 54% more hypocretin-producing neurons than non-addicts. In mice, morphine restored missing hypocretin cells, reversing narcoleptic symptoms. Further study is needed to explore potential treatment for narcolepsy.
Researchers discovered that blind Mexican cavefish have higher levels of Hypocretin, a neuropeptide linked to human narcolepsy. This finding may explain why some animals sleep less than others and provides insight into potential treatments for insomnia.
Researchers have successfully developed a non-peptide compound that promotes wakefulness and remedies narcoleptic symptoms in mouse models. The compound, YNT-185, penetrates the blood-brain barrier and induces significant wakefulness without desensitization or sleep rebounds.
A recent study led by Kanazawa University has discovered that serotonin neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus inhibit catalepsy by reducing activities of the amygdala that controls emotion. This finding provides new insights into the narcolepsy mechanism and holds promise for developing new therapies for cataplexy.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry suggests that blocking hypocretin signaling may provide a new avenue for treating cocaine addiction. The study found that blocking hypocretin signaling reduced cocaine intake in rats allowed long access to cocaine, and restored the normal GABAergic system.
Researchers found that subcutaneous injection of orexin can improve survival rates in mice with endotoxin shock by restoring body temperature and increasing heart rate. Future studies aim to validate the effect of peripherally administered orexin in primates with septic shock.
A new study by TSRI and NIH scientists found that hypocretin levels may contribute to cocaine addiction. Blocking hypocretin activity reduced compulsive drug-seeking behavior in rat models. The research suggests a potential role for the hypocretin system as a pharmacological target for treating cocaine addiction.
Researchers found that mice lacking orexin neurons are more sensitive to pain, while activating these neurons decreases pain-related behaviors. This suggests a link between wakefulness and the inability to feel pain.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a gene that appears to reduce the risk of heart failure and improve treatment outcomes. The gene codes for a protein involved in regulating sleep, appetite, and blood pressure, which may play a protective role in the heart.
Researchers found eliminating orexin slowed brain plaque growth and increased sleep time in mice, indicating its potential as an Alzheimer's prevention target. The study also highlights the importance of addressing sleep abnormalities to reduce Alzheimer's risk.
A study found higher orexin levels in patients with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease compared to controls. This association was also observed in relation to total tau protein levels and cognitive impairment, highlighting the potential link between orexinergic system dysregulation and AD progression.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that orexin proteins play a crucial role in both promoting and blocking bone formation. This dual regulation may provide new targets for treating osteoporosis, particularly by inhibiting orexin receptor 1 or activating orexin receptor 2.
A new study suggests that H1N1 infection can trigger autoimmune destruction of brain cells producing wakefulness protein hypocretin, leading to narcolepsy. Researchers believe that molecular mimicry between the virus and human protein may play a key role in the disease's development.
Researchers at UCLA have found a possible link between histamine cells and the loss of hypocretin neurons in people with narcolepsy. The study suggests that an excess of histamine cells may cause the destruction of hypocretin cells, which is thought to contribute to the sleep disorder.
A study published in PNAS Early Edition identifies a cellular change in the brain that accompanies obesity, involving a switch in neurons within the hypothalamus. Activation of CB1 cannabinoid receptors stimulates orexin A release, increasing food consumption. The findings suggest potential targets for new treatments to address obesity.
Scientists at UCLA discovered a peptide called hypocretin that increases happiness and alertness in humans, while another peptide MCH plays a key role in sleep regulation. The study provides a potential new approach to treating psychiatric disorders like depression.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that amino acids, found in proteins like egg whites, stimulate orexin neurons more than other nutrients. This discovery has implications for understanding obesity and sleep disorders.
Scientists at Sanford-Burnham discovered that orexin activates calorie-burning brown fat in mice, suggesting potential for new obesity treatments. The hormone is associated with increased energy expenditure and weight loss.
Researchers found that narcoleptic patients have a deficiency of the neuropeptide hormone orexin, leading to impaired brown fat activity. This can result in excessive weight gain despite reduced caloric intake.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have identified the orexin system as responsible for inducing lethargy during illness. The study suggests that targeting this system with existing narcolepsy drugs could be an effective way to treat sickness-induced lethargy and improve quality of life for chronically ill patients.
Scientists successfully induced non-REM sleep in mice by controlling the activity of orexin neurons using a light-activated protein. The study provides clues to the underlying cause of narcolepsy, a disorder characterized by abnormal sleep and muscle weakness.
Researchers led by Dr. Akihiro Yamanaka discovered that orexin-releasing neurons have a self-excitation mechanism that activates each other, maintaining high-level activity and wakefulness. This finding overturns an existing theory and suggests that this mechanism may be involved in insomnia.
Dr. Kilduff recognized for his role in discovering the neuropeptide hypocretin and developing therapeutics for sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and insomnia. He has published over 200 research papers and received funding from government agencies and private foundations.
Research by Professor Yasuhiko Minokoshi and Dr. Tetsuya Shiuchi found that meals with sweet taste stimulation activate 'orexin' neurons, reducing blood glucose levels in mice. Pleasant eating habits may prevent hyperglycemia by activating orexin neurons.
Researchers found that good taste and pleasant meals stimulate muscle glucose uptake and decrease blood glucose levels. Orexin is involved in the regulation of muscle glucose metabolism, suggesting a potential role in controlling feeding behavior and blood sugar levels.
Researchers found that chronic sleep deprivation accelerates amyloid plaque deposition in mice with Alzheimer's disease. Orexin, a protein regulating the sleep cycle, appears directly involved in this process.
A study found that expecting tasty food activates brain's orexin system, which is also involved in drug addiction and rewards. This mechanism may explain why people overeat in contexts associated with good food, with implications for obesity treatment.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that a natural brain chemical called orexin works by increasing the body's sensitivity to leptin, leading to reduced weight gain. Increased orexin levels in mice also boosted metabolism and resulted in greater weight loss when administered with leptin.
Researchers at Scripps Florida found that blocking hypocretin-1 receptors significantly decreased nicotine self-administration and motivation in rats, suggesting a potential target for developing new smoking cessation treatments. The study highlights the importance of hypocretin-1 receptors in regulating nicotine reward and motivation.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found that the hormone orexin activates HIF-1, which increases energy production in cells. This activation is linked to the body's response to low blood sugar and hunger, suggesting a new mechanism for metabolic regulation.
New research published by the American Physiological Society found that brains of rats bred to be lean are more sensitive to orexin A, a chemical that stimulates appetite and physical activity. This suggests a biological basis for being a couch potato, where fidgeting and other minor movements can burn calories and aid weight control.
Scientists at the University of Manchester have identified a previously unknown mechanism by which glucose blocks brain cells responsible for regulating wakefulness. This finding has implications for understanding and treating disorders such as narcolepsy, obesity, and addiction.
A new mechanism explains how glucose inhibits neurons that regulate wakefulness, revealing a role for previously unknown potassium ion channels. Glucose levels affect the firing rate of these neurons, shedding light on cellular pathways regulating vigilance states and energy balance.
Researchers found that orexin A induces adaptation necessary for drug-craving behaviors in human addicts. The peptide signaling pathways for orexin and CRF may prove fruitful targets in the search for addiction medications.
Orexin strengthens neural communication between dopamine-releasing neurons, playing a key role in drug high experience and craving. Blocking orexin action reverses cocaine-craving behavior in rats.
Researchers found a strong association between orexin neurons and reward seeking behavior in rats. Orexin activation reinstated extinguished drug-seeking behavior and was related to preferences for cues associated with rewards.
Researchers used a new brain-mapping technique to study the neural connections involved in sleep regulation. The study found that neurons producing orexin, which helps keep animals awake, receive inhibitory signals from sleep-active neurons and reinforcing signals from wakefulness-activated neurons.
Research finds hypocretin neurons, involved in arousal and appetite, have an unorthodox organization that may contribute to insomnia and obesity. The discovery offers clues to the underlying mechanism of their association.
A study published in The Lancet found an underlying autoimmune process linked to narcolepsy in people with a certain genetic profile. This breakthrough could lead to improved disease treatment and earlier diagnosis using a clinically useful assay.