Changes in CSF hypocretin-1 (orexin A) levels in rats across 24 hours and in response to food deprivation
Hypocretin-1 is consistently detectable in the CSF of healthy human subjects, but is absent
in narcoleptics. However, functional roles of CSF hypocretin are largely unknown. We
examined fluctuation of CSF hypocretin-1 across 24 h and in response to food restriction in
rats. Hypocretin-1 levels were high during the dark period when animals were active, but
decreased by 40% toward the end of the light (rest) period. After 72 h food deprivation
hypocretin-1 levels during the rest phase increased to concentrations similar to those seen …
in narcoleptics. However, functional roles of CSF hypocretin are largely unknown. We
examined fluctuation of CSF hypocretin-1 across 24 h and in response to food restriction in
rats. Hypocretin-1 levels were high during the dark period when animals were active, but
decreased by 40% toward the end of the light (rest) period. After 72 h food deprivation
hypocretin-1 levels during the rest phase increased to concentrations similar to those seen …