Atropine effects on the intermediate stage and paradoxical sleep in rats

Paradoxical sleep (PS) in the rat, cat and mouse is preceded and sometimes followed by a short-lasting intermediate stage (IS) characterized by high amplitude cortical spindles and low frequency theta rhythm. This stage, which is mimicked by an intercollicular transection, is massively extended at the expense of PS by low doses of barbiturates. Since the pontine cholinergic cell activation of PS is suppressed by barbiturates, we studied whether atropine, an antimuscarinic compound, extends IS at the expense of PS. Atropine sulfate was given at 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg IP. All doses increased dose dependently the occurrence latency of IS and PS. The amount of IS and PS was decreased for several hours, principally by a decrease of the number of phases. At 20 mg/kg the phase mean duration of IS and PS was also decreased. Consequently, IS and PS are similarly supported by muscarinic processes. The theta rhythm frequency was scored during IS and outside PS phasic motor activities (type 2 theta). At all doses it was significantly increased for hours. The theta rhythm frequency was also transiently increased during the hypersynchronization periods of PS (type 1 theta). At 20 mg/kg it was similarly the case for type 1 theta rhythm during waking.