Sleep neurotransmitter systems

A medication that causes induction of sleep. The majority of currently available hypnotics (for example benzodiazepine receptor agonists) act via potentiating the brain s inhibitory GABAergic systems, in turn reducing the activity of arousal (i.e. wake promoting) neurotransmitter systems. 

Determining the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of a drug makes pharmacology a powerful tool for understanding biological phenomena. This chapter reviews the preclinical evidence of the impact of some neurotransmitter systems and related drugs on sleep and wakefulness. 

Stahl s Essential Psychopharmacology has established itself as the preeminent source of education and information in its field. This much expanded second edition enlists advances in neurobiology and recent clinical developments to explain with renewed clarity the concepts underlying drug treatment of psychiatric disorders. New neurotransmitter systems, new theories of schizophrenia, clinical advances in antipsychotic and antidepressant therapy, new coverage of attention deficit disorder, sleep disorders, and drug abuse, and a new chapter on sex-specific and sexual function-related psychopharmacology—these are all features of this edition. 

Regarding the NE system, loss of neurons in the LC and the existence of Lewy bodies have been shown by analysis of post mortem brains of PD patients (Zarow et ah, 2003) (Hoogendijk et ah, 1995) (Jellinger, 1991) (Chan-Palay and Asan, 1989). Reduced levels of NE in addition to disturbances in other related neurotransmitter system like the serotonergic may account for clinically relevant symptoms like depression, dementia, sleep disorders and autonomic dysfunction seen in PD. 

The firing rate of histaminergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic neurons decreases from nonREM to REM sleep, whereas firing of midbrain dopaminergic neurons does not seem to vary in phase with the REM nonREM alternation during sleep and with the sleep/wake cycle (Miller et al., 1983). These data led to suppose that the effect of DA on sleep may be mediated by its interactions with other neurotransmitter systems (Pace-Schott and Hobson, 2002). 

Like Rohypnol, GHB is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, which, when tested on animals, induces a sleep-like state in doses ranging from 0.1 to 1.5 milligrams per kilogram.33 Although many neurotransmitter systems are affected by treatment with GHB, evidence supports the hypothesis that GHB itself acts as a neurotransmitter. This implies that GHB is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that is necessary for normal nervous system functions. Administered as a drug, GHB has been shown to temporarily inhibit the release of dopamine in the brain.34 This inhibition is followed by a marked increase in the release of both dopamine and naturally occurring opioids, such as endorphins.35... 

Serotonin Usually inhibitory helps control mood, influences sleep, and inhibits pain pathways in the spinal cord. Secreted by subcortical structures into hypothalamus, brain, and spinal cord. There are many subtypes of serotonin receptors. Diffuse and widespread symptoms depression, headache, diarrhea, constipation, sexual dysfunction, and other medical symptoms. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the most commonly used antidepressants, work specifically on this neurotransmitter system. 

THC is a new miracle medication, used to treat sleep disorders, inflammatory diseases, auto immune disorders, migraines, addictions, post traumatic stress disorder, etc. The discoYery of its endogenous ligand, anandamide (a fatty acid amide) has revolutionized the investigation of this new neurotransmitter system. Fatty acid amides are easily prepared from commonly available grocery store oils. 

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