Pharmacological influence on central serotonergic mechanisms in man and its consequences on sleep
Rüther, E.; Davis, L.; Papousek, M.; Reichinger, M.; Reiter, H.; Rudolph, M.
Arzneimittel-Forschung 26(6): 1071-1073
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-4172 PMID: 134732 Document Number: 103433
Central serotonergic mechanisms were investigated in three experiments: 1. Chronic administration (four weeks) of L-5-hydroxytryptophan (L-5 HTP 600 mg/day) plus decarboxylase inhibitor (Ro 4-4602) reduces slow-wave sleep (stages 3 + 4 = SWS) without influencing other sleep parameters. 2. Clozapine reduces SWS, increases paradoxical sleep (REM) and dissociates sleep mechanisms so that increased REM in NREM stage 1 occurs. Central serotonin levels seem to remain unaffected. 3. Parachlormethylamphetamine, a serotonin synthesis inhibitor, normalises irregular sleep and narcoleptic and cataleptic attacks of narcoleptic syndrome as well. 4. Central serotonergic mechanisms are described as having a boundary-setting function.