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EFFECT OF ALPHA-1-ADRENOCEPTORS BLOCKADE WITH PRAZOSIN IN CANINE NARCOLEPSY BRAIN RESEARCH Mignot, E., Guilleminault, C., Bowersox, S., Rappaport, A., Dement, W. C. 1988; 444 (1): 184-188

Abstract

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.

View details for Web of Science ID A1988M418200022

View details for PubMedID 2834022