Effect of alpha 1-adrenoceptors blockade with prazosin in canine narcolepsy.
The role of central alpha 1-adrenergic receptors in cataplexy was investigated in 4 narcoleptic poodles and 6 genetically narcoleptic Doberman pinschers. Treatment of narcoleptic dogs with prazosin, a selective alpha 1-adrenergic receptor blocker, exacerbated cataplexy in both narcoleptic dog breeds. Control and heterozygous Dobermans were not affected by the drug. Binding studies using [3H]prazosin revealed an increase in alpha 1-receptor binding apparently limited to the amygdala. The present study suggests that central alpha 1-adrenoceptors, whose role is still mostly unknown, play a fundamental role in controlling mechanisms involved in cataplexy and REM sleep.
Mignot
E
E
Sleep Disorders Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304.
Guilleminault
C
C
Bowersox
S
S
Rappaport
A
A
Dement
W C
WC
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004285:Dogs; D006580:Genetic Carrier Screening; D008297:Male; D009290:Narcolepsy / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D009928:Organ Specificity; D011224:Prazosin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / Q000187:drug effects*
D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha; D011224:Prazosin