The effects of exogenous melatonin on morphological changes in locus ceruleus nucleus Characterized by REM sleep deprivation

Background: Neurodegeneration in the locus coeruleus (LC) has been documented in several central nervous system (CNS) neurodegenerative diseases and sleep deprivation. In this study, we investigated the possible role of melatonin in reversing cognitive dysfunction induced by SD in rats.Methods: The aim of this work was to determine if REM sleep deprivation would induce morphological changes in the brains of rats. The effects of REM sleep deprivation on the nuclear volume of neurons from the locus coeruleus, the main noradrenergic nucleus in the brain.Results: The results obtained showed that REM sleep deprivation significantly decreased the number of neurons in the locus coeruleus.Conclusion: A change in cell nuclear volume suggests a change in its metabolic activity, therefore, our data provide an anatomical basis for further studies of neuron’s morphology in brain structures after REM sleep deprivation