Citation

Iovino M, Messana T, De Pergola G, Iovino E, Guastamacchia E, Giagulli VA, Triggiani V. Endocr. Metab. Immune Disord. Drug Targets 2019; 19(1): 26-37.

Affiliation

Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Section of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases.University of Bari "Aldo Moro", School of Medicine, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari. Italy.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Bentham Science Publishers)

DOI

10.2174/1871530318666180816115720

PMID

30113008

Abstract

Bakground and objective: The sleep-wake cycle is characterized by a circadian rhythm involving neurotransmitters and neurohormones that are released from brainstem nuclei and hypothalamus. Aim of this review is to analyze the role played by central neural pathways, neurotrasmitters and neurohormones in the regulation of vigilance states.

METHODS: We analyzed the literature identifying relevant articles dealing with central neural pathways, neurotrasmitters and neurohormones involved in the control of wakefulness and sleep.

RESULTS: The reticular activating system is the key center in the control of the states of wakefulness and sleep via alertness and hypnogenic centers. Neurotransmitters and neurohormones interplay during the dark-light cycle in order to maintain a normal plasmatic concentrations of ions, proteins and peripheral hormones, and behavioral state control.

CONCLUSION: An updated description of pathways, neurotransmitters and neurohormones involved in the regulation of vigilance states has been depicted.

Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Language: en

Keywords

EEG; locus coeruleus; neurohormones. ; neurotransmitters; raphe nuclei; reticular activating system; sleep-wake cycle; suprachiasmatic nucleus; vigilance states