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This research investigates the degeneration of neuronal groups in narcolepsy with cataplexy.

March 30, 2026Open Access

Human narcolepsy is linked to degeneration of both locus coeruleus and hypocretin neurons

Key Points

This research investigates the degeneration of neuronal groups in narcolepsy with cataplexy.
Analyzed 11 brains of individuals with narcolepsy with cataplexy.
Measured loss and size changes of norepinephrine neurons in the locus coeruleus.
Examined microglial clustering around hypocretin and noradrenergic neurons.
Average 46% loss in norepinephrine neurons in the locus coeruleus.
Average 18% increase in the size of remaining neurons.
Microglial clustering indicates involvement in neuron degeneration.

Abstract

Abstract Earlier studies led to the conclusion that human narcolepsy with cataplexy was correlated with the loss of hypocretin (Hcrt = orexin) neurons in the hypothalamus. We now report that individuals having narcolepsy with cataplexy also have an average 46% loss in the number and an 18% increase in the size of brainstem norepinephrine neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC), based on our analysis of 11 brains of individuals having narcolepsy with cataplexy. Microglial clustering around Hcrt neurons in the hypothalamus and around noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus of individuals having narcolepsy with cataplexy indicates microglial involvement in the degeneration of both of these neuronal groups.

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Cite This Study

Thannickal et al. (Sat,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69c9c5e2f8fdd13afe0be03f https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-70899-x

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