The α2-Adrenoceptor Agonist Dexmedetomidine Converges on an Endogenous Sleep-promoting Pathway to Exert Its Sedative Effects
Harvard University · Intensive Care Foundation · +3 more institutions
Abstract
The authors investigated whether the sedative, or hypnotic, action of the general anesthetic dexmedetomidine (a selective alpha -adrenoceptor agonist) activates endogenous nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep-promoting pathways.
c-Fos expression in sleep-promoting brain nuclei was assessed in rats using immunohistochemistry and hybridization. Next, the authors perturbed these pathways using (1) discrete lesions induced by ibotenic acid, (2) local and systemic administration of gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor type A (GABA ) receptor antagonist gabazine, or (3) alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist atipamezole in rats, and (4) genetic mutation of the alpha -adrenoceptor in mice.
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 7.89
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 1
Authors
6- LELaura E. NelsonCorresponding
Harvard University, Intensive Care Foundation, Intensive Care Society, Imperial College London
- JLJun Lu
Harvard University, Imperial College London
- TGTian‐Zhi Guo
Harvard University, Intensive Care Foundation, Intensive Care Society, Imperial College London
- CBClifford B. Saper
Harvard University, Imperial College London
- NPNicholas P. Franks
Harvard University, Imperial College London
Topics & keywords
- Dexmedetomidine
- Atipamezole
- Medicine
- Agonist
- Non-rapid eye movement sleep
- Pharmacology
- Sedative
- Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor
- Good health and well-being