The vigilance promoting drug modafinil
decreases GABA release in the medial preoptic area and in the posterior
hypothalamus of the awake rat: possible involvement of the serotonergic 5-HT3
receptor.
Ferraro L, Tanganelli S, O'Connor WT,
Antonelli T, Rambert F, Fuxe K.
Institute of Pharmacology,
University of Ferrara, Italy
Neurosci Lett 1996 Dec 6;220(1):5-8
Abstract:
The effect of modafinil on endogenous gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
release in the medial preoptic area (MPA) and posterior hypothalamus (PH) and
the role of local 5-HT3 receptors in this effect was investigated in the awake
rat using in vivo microdialysis. Modafinil (30-100 mg/kg i.p.)
dose-dependently decreased GABA release from the MPA, while only the 100 mg/kg
dose markedly reduced GABA release in the PH. The modafinil (100 mg/kg)
induced inhibition of GABA release in the MPA and the PH was partially
counteracted by the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist MDL72222 (1 microM) when
perfused locally alone or together with the non-selective 5-HT receptor
antagonist methysergide (1 microM). Thus, the reduction of GABA transmission
induced by modafinil in the MPA and in the PH, at least in part, involves
local 5-HT3 receptors. The GABA release inhibition by modafinil in the above
areas may be relevant for its vigilance promoting action.
1. Modafinil for sustaining
the alertness of helicopter pilots
2. Modafinil augmentation
of antidepressant treatment
3. Modafinil the
unique properties of a new stimulant
4. Modafinil children
with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
5. Modafinil tolerability
in healthy male volunteers
6. Modafinil successful treatment of
hypersomnia & narcolepsy
7. Modafinil narcolepsy:
symptoms and management
8. Modafinil
amplification of cortical serotonin release
9. Modafinil
treatment of alcoholic organic brain syndrome
10. Modafinil
effect on melatonin, cortisol, and growth hormone
11. Modafinil
in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome
