‌Assessing the role of rat’s orbitofrontal cortex on sleeping time and duration

Abstract Background: Sleeping is a biological rhythm controlled by many structures and neurotransmitter systems in brain. Previous evidences suggested that Orbitofrontal Cortex (OFC) is probably involved in sleeping time and the duration. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the role of OFC area in duration and the time of sleeping by electrical lesions. Methods: Male Wistar rats were used in this experimental study. Rats were surgically implanted bilaterally guided cannulae aimed at the OFC by stereotaxic instrument. One week after recovery, a primary assessment of sleeping duration was made by Angel behavioral method followed by lesioning of OFC using a lesion-maker (electrical electrode). Measuring the behavioral manifestations continued for time and the sleeping duration. Findings: The data found in our study was indicative of a significantly increased sleeping time (P<0.01) following the electrical lesioning of OFC. Conclusion: Our findings showed that OFC of rat’s brain may play an important role in regulating the sleeping process.