REM sleep induction by physostigmine infusion during sleep.
Physostigmine (an anticholinesterase agent that increases acetylcholine at the synapse), in a dose of 0.5 milligram, was given intravenously to seven normal human volunteers. When injected during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, physostigmine woke the subjects, and when injected during non-REM sleep, it induced REM sleep. This result suggests that cholinergic mechanisms play a role in the induction of REM sleep and in modulating cortical arousal mechanisms.
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000502:physiology; D000328:Adult; D004325:Dreams / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010830:Physostigmine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012895:Sleep, REM / Q000187:drug effects*; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
D010830:Physostigmine; D000109:Acetylcholine