Allopregnanolone affects sleep in a benzodiazepine-like fashion

摘要: Recent research in rats and humans has shown that exogenous progesterone evokes a sleep profile similar to induced by agonistic modulators of gamma-aminobutyric acid(A) receptors, such as benzodiazepines. This finding suggests the involvement neuroactive metabolite progesterone, allopregnanolone. In vehicle-controlled study reported here, we assessed effects two doses allopregnanolone (7.5 15 mg/kg), mixed with oil, administered intraperitoneally at light onset 8 rats. The electroencephalogram (EEG) electromyogram were recorded during first 6 postinjection hr. Compared vehicle, both reduced latency non-rapid eye movement (non-REMS) mg/kg significantly increased time spent pre-REMS, an intermediate state between non-REMS REMS. Furthermore, dose-dependently influenced EEG activity non-REMS, was decreased lower frequencies ( or =13 Hz. REMS, enhanced high-frequency (> =17 Hz). most pronounced hours gradually diminished thereafter. Analysis plasma brain concentrations 45 revealed long-lasting increases, which reached maximal levels hour. are very those elicited larger produce comparable These data indicate steroid benzodiazepine-like on sleep.