Paradoxical sleep deprivation induces muscle atrophy

Introduction: Because paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) induces a catabolic hormone profile, we sought to evaluate the morphology of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle and testosterone and corticosterone levels of paradoxical sleepdeprived rats.Methods: Three study groups of rats were established: the first group was sleep deprived for 96 h; the second group was also sleep deprived for 96 h, but then returned to their home-cage and allowed to sleep for the next 96 h; and the third group was the control group, with a normal sleep cycle. Results: PSD reduced the weight and fiber cross-sectional area of the TA muscle. Moreover, PSD enhanced plasma corticosterone and reduced serum testosterone levels. the 96 h of sleep after PSD was sufficient to restore partially the morphology of TA, while hormones returned to basal levels. Conclusion: PSD induces hormonal alterations that may mediate muscle atrophy. Muscle Nerve, 2012Associacao Fundo de Incentivo a Pesquisa (AFIP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)Fundo de Auxllio aos Docentes e Alunos (FADA)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Psicobiol, BR-04020050 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biociencias, Santos, BrazilCEPE, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Bioquim, BR-04020050 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Psicobiol, BR-04020050 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biociencias, Santos, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Bioquim, BR-04020050 São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 2009/11056-1FAPESP: 98/14303-3Web of Scienc