Neurobehavioral and physiological changes in pregnant rats following REM sleep deprivation model

Objective: Sleep is a fundamental physiological process regulated by complex interactions, with interleukins (ILs) playing a key role in linking the immune system to sleep-wake cycles. Disruptions in this balance, often involving proinflammatory cytokines like IL-1β and IL-6, contribute to various sleep and neuroinflammatory disorders. Materials and Methods: This study investigated the effects of REM sleep deprivation (SD) using the multi-platform technique in pregnant rats for 21 days, followed by behavioral and immunological assays. Rats were subjected to 18 hours of deprivation daily but allowed 6 hours of recovery sleep. Results: Behavioral testing showed that SD rats exhibited significantly lower locomotor activity (distance and ambulatory activity) compared to controls, indicating reduced general motor functions. However, the Elevated Plus Maze revealed no significant difference in anxiety-like behavior between the groups. Conclusion: ELISA results demonstrated a statistically significant elevation of both IL-15 and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the SD group. The elevated IL-15 level is interpreted as a marker of potential nerve damage. The increase in IL-10 is suggested to be a counter-regulatory response to rising pro-inflammatory markers such as IFN-γ, which was also found to be higher, though not significantly.