Orexin deficiency and narcolepsy.

Abstract

Orexin deficiency results in the sleep disorder narcolepsy in many mammalian species, including mice, dogs, and humans, suggesting that the orexin system is particularly important for normal regulation of sleep/wakefulness states, and especially for maintenance of wakefulness. This review discusses animal models of narcolepsy; the contribution of each orexin receptor subtype to the narcoleptic phenotypes; and the etiology of orexin neuronal death. It also raises the possibility of novel therapies targeting the orexin system for sleep disorders including insomia and narcolepsy-cataplexy.

• Authors: Takeshi Sakurai
• Journal: Current opinion in neurobiology (Curr Opin Neurobiol) Vol. 23 Issue 5 Pg. 760-6 (Oct 2013) ISSN: 1873-6882 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 23663890 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
• Neuropeptides
• Orexins

Topics

• Animals
• Humans
• Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins (deficiency)
• Narcolepsy (metabolism)
• Neuropeptides (deficiency)
• Orexins
• Wakefulness (physiology)