Study for neural mechanism of wakefulness and dependence using optogenetics

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Orexin producing neurons are distributed in the hypothalamus. These neurons are involved in the maintenance of wakefulness. Specific loss of orexin neurons is caused by sleep disorder, Narcolepsy. Although drugs which easily form dependence are used for treatment of Narcolepsy, it is very rare to form dependence in Narcoleptic patients. These facts suggest that orexin neurons are involved in the dependence as well. In this study, we studied the role of orexin neurons in formation of dependence using optogenetics. Additionally, we evaluated the role of orexin neurons on the regulation of sleep/wakefulness and dependence.