Mathematical Biology Seminar Cecilia Diniz Behn, University of Michigan Wednesday Feb. 17, 2010 3:05pm in LCB 215 A mathematical investigation of orexin neurons Abstract: The neuropeptide orexin/hypocretin is essential for normal consolidation of sleep/wake behavior, and disruption of the orexin system is associated with the sleep disorder narcolepsy. Recent experimental work has characterized elements of orexin neuron electrophysiology and state-dependent behavior, however, many questions, particularly questions of dynamics, can be difficult to address in an experimental setting. I will discuss several modeling approaches, spanning multiple scales, which we have undertaken to investigate the intrinsic dynamics of these neurons and their role in sleep/wake regulation.