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Effects of bromocriptine in human narcolepsy
D B Boivin1, J Montplaisir, C Lambert
1Centre d'Etude du Sommeil, Hôpital Sacré-Coeur, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Clinical Neuropharmacology
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Bromocriptine did not improve narcolepsy symptoms like daytime sleepiness or vigilance. However, this D2 receptor agonist significantly reduced periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS), suggesting a role for dopamine in PLMS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness.
- The role of dopaminergic systems in narcolepsy pathophysiology is not fully understood.
- Periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) can disrupt sleep and exacerbate narcolepsy symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of bromocriptine, a D2 receptor agonist, on narcolepsy symptoms and sleep.
- To explore the potential involvement of D2 receptors in the physiopathology of narcolepsy.
- To assess the impact of bromocriptine on periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS).
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, cross-over study involving six human narcoleptic patients.
- Administration of bromocriptine, a preferential D2 receptor agonist.
- Utilized polysomnography for nocturnal sleep assessment and daytime vigilance tests (Analogue Vigilance Scale, Maintenance of Wakefulness Test, Four-Choice Reaction Time Test).
Main Results:
- No significant changes were observed in nocturnal sleep organization, daytime somnolence, or psychomotor performance.
- Bromocriptine administration led to a significant reduction in periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS).
Conclusions:
- D2 receptors are unlikely to play a major role in the physiopathology of human narcolepsy.
- Dopaminergic mechanisms appear to be involved in the regulation of periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS).