The study revolves around brain cells called neurons that generate electrical pulses to pass on messages. Researchers in recent years discovered that populations of hippocampal neurons generate electric pulses within milliseconds of each other in cycles.
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This firing pattern is called a “sharp wave ripple” for the shape it takes when captured graphically by EEG, a technology that records brain activity with electrodes.
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This new study found that clusters of hippocampal sharp wave ripples were reliably followed within minutes by decreases in blood sugar levels in the bodies of rats.
These findings suggest that the ripples may regulate the timing of the release of hormones, possibly including insulin, by the pancreas and liver, as well of other hormones by the pituitary gland.
“Our study is the first to show how clusters of brain cell firing in the hippocampus may directly regulate metabolism,” says senior study author György Buzsáki, MD, PhD, the Biggs Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Physiology at NYU Langone Health.
Insulin is released by pancreatic cells, not continually, but periodically in bursts to keep blood sugar at normal levels.
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As sharp wave ripples mostly occur during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, the impact of sleep disturbances on sharp wave ripples may provide a mechanistic link between poor sleep and high blood sugar levels seen in type 2 diabetes.
Moving forward, the research team will seek to extend its theory that several hormones could be affected by nightly sharp wave ripples, including through work in human patients. Future research may also reveal devices or therapies that can adjust ripples to lower blood sugar and improve memory.
Source: Medindia
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