The impact of sleep deprivation on neuronal and glial signaling pathways important for memory and synaptic plasticity

Abstract

Sleep deprivation is a common feature in modern society, and one of the consequences of sleep loss is the impairment of cognitive function. Although it has been widely accepted that sleep deprivation affects learning and memory, only recently has research begun to address which molecular signalling pathways are altered by sleep loss and, more importantly, which pathways can be targeted to reverse the memory impairments resulting from sleep deprivation. In this review, we discuss the different methods used to sleep deprive animals and the effects of different durations of sleep deprivation on learning and memory with an emphasis on hippocampus-dependent memory. We then review the molecular signalling pathways that are sensitive to sleep loss, with a focus on those thought to play a critical role in the memory and synaptic plasticity deficits observed after sleep deprivation. Finally, we highlight several recent attempts to reverse the effects of sleep deprivation on memory and synaptic plasticity. Future research building on these studies promises to contribute to the development of novel strategies to ameliorate the effects of sleep loss on cognition.

The impact of sleep loss on hippocampal function

“…Some of the main methods of sleep deprivation include the "rotating platform" technique, the "flower-pot" technique, gentle handling, novel object introduction, and optogenetic stimulation. Each method has associated positives and negatives and has been discussed more thoroughly previously (see Havekes et al 2012). Sleep deprivation administered after learning disrupts the consolidation period and impairs memories (Fishbein 1971;Leconte et al 1974;Linden et al 1975).…”

Aversive Memory, Anxiety-Related Behaviors, and Serum Neurochemical Levels in a Rat Model of Labored Sleep Loss

“…On cellular level, sleep loss is shown to deleteriously affect synaptic plasticity (10,37). The hippocampal long-term potentiation deficit results in short-term and long-term memory impairments (10,37). Our results indicated that even partially, the chronic exposure to this oxidative stress (CPSR) might drastically affect memory function.…”

“…Therefore, SD may affect the subsequent learning capacity and the ability to form new memories (3). The effect of sleep loss on synaptic plasticity and memory function has been deeply articulated in a recent report (10). Furthermore, sleep loss is shown to result in memory deficits, particularly in hippocampus-dependent tasks (37).…”

“…SD is shown to considerably reduce the hippocampal antioxidant markers including glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase (20,39), which negatively affect synaptic plasticity (20). On cellular level, sleep loss is shown to deleteriously affect synaptic plasticity (10,37). The hippocampal long-term potentiation deficit results in short-term and long-term memory impairments (10,37).…”

“…A number of previous studies, which have used inhibitory avoidance task (5,9), Morris water-maze (6), and contextual fear conditioning (7) tests, suggested a marked SD-induced memory deficit. Furthermore, the effect of SD on synaptic plasticity and memory function has been deeply discussed in a recent report (10).…”