Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice
Published on: June 19, 2019
Microinjection of adenosine into the hypothalamic ventrolateral preoptic area enhances wakefulness via the A1
1Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Adenosine (AD) is a nucleic acid component that is critical for energy metabolism in the body. AD modulates numerous neural functions in the central nervous system, including the sleep-wake cycle. Previous studies have indicated that the A1 receptor (A1R) or A2A receptor (A2AR) may mediate the effects of AD on the sleep-wake cycle. The hypothalamic ventrolateral preoptic area (VLPO) initiates and maintains normal sleep. Histological studies have shown A1R are widely expressed in brain tissue, whereas A2AR expression is limited in the brain and undetectable in the VLPO. We hypothesize therefore, that AD modulates the sleep-wake cycle through A1R in the VLPO. In the present study, bilateral microinjection of AD or an AD transporter inhibitor (s-(4-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine) into the VLPO of rats decreased non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. An A1R agonist (N6-cyclohexyladenosine) produced similar effects in the VLPO. Microinjection of an A1R antagonist (8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dimethylxanthine) into the VLPO enhanced NREM sleep and diminished AD-induced wakefulness. These data indicate that AD enhances wakefulness in the VLPO via A1R in rats.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral bioavailability, and...
01:30Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and anaphylaxis:...
01:30Adrenergic Agonists: Direct-Acting Agents
These agents can be classified...