Suppressant Effects of Selective 5-HT(2) Antagonists on Rapid Eye Movement Sleep in Rats.

摘要

The effects of the novel, highly selective serotonin-2(5ht) antagonists, ICI 169,369 and ICI 170,809, on 24 h EEG sleep-wake activity were studied in the rat. Both compounds caused a dose-related increase in the latency to rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) and significantly suppressed cumulative REMS time up to 12 h postinjection. In contrast, neither drug disrupted slow wave sleep continuity in as much as the latency to non-REMS(NREMS) and cumulative NREMS time were unchanged. However, at the highest dose tested (20mg/kg) ICI 170,809 did produce a significant increase in total NREMS time during the second half of the sleep-awake cycle. These results demonstrate effects of selective 5-HT2 antagonists on sleep in rats which appear to be specific for REMS behavior, suggesting that the priming influence of serotonin on REMS may involve 5-HT2 receptor subtypes. The relationship between the REMS suppressant actions of these compounds and their consideration as therapeutic agents in depression is discussed. Keywords: Serotonin 2 antagonists; Electroencephalogram; Reprints (AW).