The authors use TetTag pharmacogenetics to mark neuronal ensembles activated in the preoptic hypothalamus during dexmedeotomidine-induced sedation or recovery sleep. When these ensembles were selectively reactivated, NREM sleep and the accompanying drop in body temperature were recapitulated. Thus α2 adrenergic receptor–induced sedation and recovery sleep share circuitry sufficient for producing these states.
- Zhe Zhang
- Valentina Ferretti
- Nicholas P Franks