How Does Ventrolateral Preoptic Nucleus Work?

The ventrolateral preoptic (VLPO) nucleus in the anterior hypothalamus is the major area of the brain that controls sleep induction and maintenance. Its major neurotransmitter is GABA, and during the awake state, the GABA release from the VLPO nucleus is inhibited by norepinephrine (NE) from the locus ceruleus.

What does the ventrolateral preoptic do?

The ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO) is a group of sleep-active neurons that has been identified in the hypothalamus of rats and is thought to inhibit the major ascending monoaminergic arousal systems during sleep; lesions of the VLPO cause insomnia.

What does the lateral preoptic nucleus do?

The lateral preoptic area (LPO) is an anterior hypothalamic brain region whose function has been largely unexplored. Most studies have focused on its role in sleep and thirst (Osaka et al., 1993; Saad et al., 1996; Szymusiak et al., 2007). A small number of studies suggest that the LPO participates in reward behavior.