A loss of neurons responsible for producing ____ may be the cause of narcolepsy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder caused by the loss of neurons in the hypothalamus that produce the neuropeptide hypocretin/orexin. Hypocretin/orexin plays a crucial role in regulating wakefulness and sleep, and its deficiency in narcolepsy leads to excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, and other symptoms. Modafinil is a medication used to treat narcolepsy, but it does not directly address the underlying cause of the disorder. Melatonin is another hormone involved in regulating sleep, but it is not specifically linked to narcolepsy. Neuropeptide Y is a neurotransmitter that is involved in a variety of physiological functions, including appetite regulation, and is not directly related to narcolepsy.

A Loss of Neurons Responsible for Producing ____ May Be