Sleep Deprivation Alters the Cell Population Kinetics In the Jejunum of the Male Syrian Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)

Abstract

The proliferative and functional units of the jejunum were studied every 3 hr during 24 hr in groups of control and sleep‐deprived hamsters. Peaks in kinetic parameters were evident during the sleep period in control hamsters; in the absence of sleep, peak values were significantly reduced. Sleep deprivation was associated with reduction of G2 to M flux and reduction of the circadian rhythm in mitotic index from 74% to 25%. the reduction in the number of cells passing through M was reflected by a drop in labelling index 9 hr later. These findings are consistent with the theory that sleep promotes restorative processes.