SLEEP DEPRIVATION ALTERS NEUROTRANSMISSION SYSTEMS IN THE ZEBRAFISH BRAIN

Sleep is necessary for overall physical and mental well-being. As a physiological process, it is regulated primarily by the circadian cycle and homeostatic processes. However, poor sleep quality leads to disruption in the homeostasis, thus impairing neurogenesis, attention, learning, and memory retention in various animals’ species. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an animal model which the sleep process and neurotransmission systems have been characterized. They are diurnal and have a sleep-like state following a circadian rhythm, with light exerting a primary factor in the process, causing a suppressive effect on sleep and melatonin production, where extended exposure promotes a homeostatic rebound. The zebrafish also has synapses with neurotransmitters and enzymes occurring similarly to mammals. Studies have demonstrated that SD in this species for at least six hours under an extended light impairs in behavioral tasks involving learning and memory, capable to causes anxiety-like behavior. Considering the attractive sleep similarities between zebrafish and mammals, we hypothesized that neurotransmission systems parameters may also be impacted.