Narcolepsy: cholinergic receptor changes in an animal model
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Updated: Oct 23, 2026

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture
Published on: December 22, 2016
Abstract:
An inbred colony of narcoleptic doberman pinschers has been analyzed for muscarinic receptor levels in 19 discrete brain regions. In comparison to age-matched controls, receptors were generally elevated in the brainstem and reduced in forebrain areas. No changes in receptor binding affinity were detected. The increased receptor levels found in the brainstem suggest that cholinoceptive neurons in this region are hypersensitive and may be involved in the initiation of cataplexy and other aspects of the narcolepsy syndrome.
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Narcolepsy

