Evaluation of behavior and endocrinological changes after REM sleep deprivation-induced mania-like behavior in mice

The pressure to stay up longer in our modern society due to constant exposure to artificial light and interactive activities; furthermore, social and economic pressures impact human physiology and behavior. Rapid eye movement sleep deprivation (REMSD) alters most of the hormones, which may have adverse behavioral changes and other health consequences like mania and other psychiatric disorders. The exact role of REMSD-altered hormonal levels and the manner in which emerging consequences lead to mania-like behavior is poorly understood. Thus, we sought to verify the behavior and endocrinological changes after 48, 72, and 96 h of REMSD-induced mania-like behavior in mice. We performed modified multiple platform method of depriving the REM sleep for 48, 72 and 96 h, respectively, and one group maintained as a control. Motor assessment and aggressive behavior were determined by IR-Actimeter and Resident Intruder Test. Quantitative determination of serum thyroid hormones (TSH, T4, and T3), testosterone, corticosterone (CORT), prolactin (PRL), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), oxytocin (OT) and melatonin (MT) concentrations were determined by ELISA method. After respective hours of REMSD, the higher locomotion noticed among all REMSD mice and also showed higher aggressive behavior compared with control. Concentration of serum TSH and T4 was declined and elevated the T3, PRL, CORT, testosterone, ACTH, OT and MT levels in REMSD mice. These experiments showed that concentrations for the majority of the studied hormone and behavior were disrupted during REMSD. Our study indicated that REMSD results in mania-like behavior in mice and associated disruption to hormonal levels, although the exact mechanisms by which these take place remain to be determined.