title: Possible involvement of an endogenous benzodiazepine receptor ligand of the inverse agonist type in the regulation of rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep: an hypothesis.
abstract: 1. Rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep is a complex behavioral state characterized by desynchronized electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, postural atonia, rapid, saccadic movements of the eyes, and vivid dreaming. 2. A recently developed class of drugs, the inverse agonist beta-carboline-3-carboxylates, elicits a number of effects similar to the properties of REM sleep, such as desynchronized cortical EEG and penile erections. 3. The hypothesis is put forth that an endogenous beta-carboline-3-carboxylate exists which may initiate many aspects of REM sleep. 4. Clinical relevance of this hypothesis is discussed with regard to REM anxiety dreams, night terrors, narcolepsy, and depression.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Carleton College, Northfield, MN, USA.
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Wichlinski
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000187:drug effects*; D012895:Sleep, REM / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D011963:Receptors, GABA-A