Study of the 5-HT2 antagonist ritanserin on sleep-walking cycle in the rat.

Abstract

Ritanserin, a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, was injected intraperitoneally to rats at light onset. It was found that 0.63 mg/kg decreased waking, increased the slow waves characteristic of the first stage of sleep, and decreased paradoxical sleep (PS) during the first four hours. Active waking was further decreased and slow wave stage increased during the following four hours. The number of synchronized and paradoxical sleep phases decreased whereas their duration increased during the first four hours. Ritanserin at 2.5 mg/kg decreased active waking and PS, whereas quite waking and slow wave stage were increased during the first four hours. Quiet waking was increased during the following four hours. It is concluded that serotonin acting on 5 HT2 receptors is actively involved in sleep-waking regulation.

• Authors: S Silhol, L Glin, C Gottesmann
• Journal: Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior (Pharmacol Biochem Behav) Vol. 41 Issue 1 Pg. 241-3 (Jan 1992) ISSN: 0091-3057 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1539075 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Serotonin Antagonists
• Ritanserin

Topics

• Animals
• Circadian Rhythm (drug effects)
• Electroencephalography
• Male
• Rats
• Rats, Inbred Strains
• Ritanserin (pharmacology)
• Serotonin Antagonists (pharmacology)
• Sleep (drug effects)
• Sleep Stages (drug effects)
• Sleep, REM (drug effects)
• Wakefulness (drug effects)