Abstract
Neuroglobin (Ngb) is a protein expressed in the central and peripherical nervous systems
of the vertebrate. The Ngb has different functions in neurons, including regulating
O2 homeostasis, oxidative stress, and as a neuroprotector after ischemia/hypoxia events.
The Ngb is a hemoprotein of the globin family, structurally like myoglobin and hemoglobin.
Ngb has higher expression in the cortex, hypothalamus, thalamus, brainstem, and cerebellum
in mammals. Interestingly, Ngb immunoreactivity oscillates according to the sleep-wake
cycle and decreases after 24 hours of sleep deprivation, suggesting that sleep homeostasis
regulates Ngb expression. In addition, Ngb expresses in brain areas related to REM
sleep regulation. Therefore, in the present review, we discuss the potential role
of the Ngb in the sleep-wake regulation of mammals.
Keywords
sleep deprivation - REM sleep - oxidative stress - neuroprotection
