Impact of Sleep Deprivation on the Central Nervous System Neurotransmitters and Immune Function in Male Albino Rats

Swara Karim Salih; Hiwa Shafiq Namiq; Hemin Hassan Othman

doi:10.54133/ajms.v9i1.2065

Authors

Swara Karim Salih Department of Basic Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani- Kurdistan Region-Iraq.
Hiwa Shafiq Namiq Department of Basic Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; Smart Health Tower, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4830-6156
Hemin Hassan Othman Department of Basic Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; Smart Health Tower, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1680-4674

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54133/ajms.v9i1.2065

Keywords:

Albino Rats, Immune response, Neurotransmitters, Neuroinflammation, Sleep deprivation

Abstract

Background: Sleep deprivation adversely affects both the central nervous system and immune function, leading to potential alteration in behavioral and physiological responses. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of varying durations of sleep deprivation on brain neurotransmitters and immune responses in male albino rats. Methods: A total of 32 rats were allocated into four groups: control, 18-hour, 24-hour, and 72-hour sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation was induced using gentle handling and environmental noise. Brain levels of serotonin, GABA, and glutamate were measured, as well as serum markers including TNF-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Inflammatory responses were also assessed through complete blood counts. Brain tissues were processed using standard histological techniques and stained with H&E, followed by semi-quantitative lesion scoring using image analysis software based on neuroglial pyknosis, vascular congestion, and perivascular edema, graded on a 0–100% scale. Results: Serotonin levels initially decreased after 18 hours of sleep deprivation but normalized by 24 and 72 hours. Glutamate levels rose progressively with longer deprivation, while GABA, TAC, and IL-6 remained stable across all durations. Sleep deprivation triggered time-dependent immune changes, beginning with lymphocyte alterations and progressing to increased monocytes and inflammatory ratios, along with elevated TNF-α levels. Histopathology showed time-dependent brain damage from sleep deprivation, with severe vascular and glial changes at 72 hours, aligning with inflammatory marker elevations. Conclusions: Sleep deprivation induces specific, duration-dependent alterations in neurotransmitter and immune profiles. Prolonged deprivation, especially at 72 hours, may provoke neuroinflammatory and anxiety-related behavioral changes.

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