The BK Channels of the Mouse: (IMAGE)
Caption
Mice sleep during the day, when BK channels should be inhibited. This daytime BK channel inhibition results in high neuronal activity that leads to sleep. At night, BK channels become active, passing potassium (K+) current, and lowering neuronal activity. Lower neuronal activity triggers wakefulness, and activities such as wheel running. The link between neuronal activity and the sleep/wake cycles is similar in humans, with one key difference: humans tend to be daytime animals, awake in the day and asleep at night.
Credit
Andrea Meredith
Usage Restrictions
None
License
Licensed content