Numerous studies have shown that melatonin can induce sleep in humans. However, the brain mechanisms responsible for this effect are unknown. This is due to the lack of a laboratory rodent model of the soporific effects of melatonin; attempts to induce sleep with melatonin in laboratory rodents have used nocturnal rodents, meaning rodents active during the dark phase of the cycle, such as rats and Djungarian hamsters. Melatonin does not consistently induce sleep in these rodents. In fact, in most of these studies, melatonin reduced sleep and increased wakefulness. Because these nocturnal animals are most active during the night, when melatonin secretion is the highest, these results should not be surprising. A diurnal rodent model is needed to demonstrate the sleep-inducing effects of melatonin. Arvicanthis niloticus (unstriped Nile grass rat), a diurnal murid rodent, is an ideal animal in which to demonstrate the sleep-inducing effects of melatonin. Further, using this rodent as a model, the brain circuitry through which melatonin induces sleep can be investigated. Results from these studies may clarify how melatonin can be used to treat insomnia and

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32MH012956-03
Application #
6643528
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-IFCN-3 (01))
Program Officer
Desmond, Nancy L
Project Start
2002-08-15
Project End
Budget Start
2003-08-15
Budget End
2004-08-14
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$49,864
Indirect Cost
Name
Georgia State University
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
837322494
City
Atlanta
State
GA
Country
United States
Zip Code
30302
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Novak, Colleen M; Parfitt, David B; Sisk, Cheryl L et al. (2007) Associations between behavior, hormones, and Fos responses to novelty differ in pre- and post-pubertal grass rats. Physiol Behav 90:125-32