Q. Use of Neurotensin in consciousness?
Although little is known about the role of this peptide during the sleep-wake cycle, it has recently been shown that neurotensin injections in the basal forebrain decreases slow wave sleep and increases REM sleep.
Therefore it can be concluded that several neurotransmitters are involved in the modulation of the sleep-wake cycle. In particular the elevation in adenosine levels and concomitant reduction in cholinergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic and histaminergic neurotransmission appear to be specifically related to the sudden loss or major reduction in conscious awareness that occurs at the onset of sleep.