Effects of a D2 receptor agonist RO 41-9067 alone and with clonidine on sleep parameters in the rat

The effects of RO 41-9067, a D2 dopamine receptors agonist, on different sleep parameters were studied in the rat. RO 41-9067 dose dependently decreased paradoxical sleep, and only at the higher dose increased waking during the light period. In contrast, the higher dose of RO 41-9067 increased paradoxical sleep and decreased waking during the dark period. Finally, the combination of RO 41-9067 and clonidine significantly prevent the decrease of total sleep time and paradoxical sleep found after clonidine alone. These results, compared with those of classical D2 dopamine receptors agonists, suggest an action for RO 41-9067 on D2 dopamine receptors depending on the cerebral structure, a different action particularly on the striatum and/or on the structures responsible for paradoxical sleep. An active role for D2 dopamine receptors and an interaction between noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems in the regulation of sleep is proposed.