Simultaneous activation of different subtypes of dopamine receptors may lead to activation of homeostatic sleep regulatory mechanisms.

Dopaminergic system gains importance in homeostatic sleep regulation, but the role of different dopamine receptors is not well-defined. 72 h rat electrocorticogram and sleep recordings were made after single application of dopaminergic drugs in clinical use or at least underwent clinical trials. The non-selective agonist apomorphine evoked short pharmacological sleep deprivation with intense wakefulness followed by pronounced sleep rebound.

Sleep and local field potential effect of the D2 receptor agonist bromocriptine during the estrus cycle and postpartum period in female rats.

Background: Pituitary lactotrophs are under tonic dopaminergic inhibitory control and bromocriptine treatment blocks prolactin secretion.

Methods: Sleep and local field potential were addressed for 72 h after bromocriptine treatments applied during the different stages of the estrus cycle and for 24 h in the early- and middle postpartum period characterized by spontaneously different dynamics of prolactin release in female rats.

Results: Sleep changes showed strong dependency on the estrus cycle phase of the drug application.

Homeostatic sleep regulation in the absence of the circadian sleep-regulating component: effect of short light-dark cycles on sleep-wake stages and slow waves.

Background: Aside from the homeostatic and circadian components, light has itself an important, direct as well as indirect role in sleep regulation. Light exerts indirect sleep effect by modulating the circadian rhythms. Exposure to short light-dark cycle (LD 1:1, 1:1 h light - dark) eliminates the circadian sleep regulatory component but direct sleep effect of light could prevail.

Complete sleep and local field potential analysis regarding estrus cycle, pregnancy, postpartum and post-weaning periods and homeostatic sleep regulation in female rats.

Sleep and local field potential (LFP) characteristics were addressed during the reproductive cycle in female rats using long-term (60-70 days) recordings. Changes in homeostatic sleep regulation was tested by sleep deprivation (SDep). The effect of mother-pup separation on sleep was also investigated during the postpartum (PP) period.

Region-specific adenosinergic modulation of the slow-cortical rhythm in urethane-anesthetized rats.

Slow cortical rhythm (SCR) is a rhythmic alternation of UP and DOWN states during sleep and anesthesia. SCR-associated slow waves reflect homeostatic sleep functions. Adenosine accumulating during prolonged wakefulness and sleep deprivation (SD) may play a role in the delta power increment during recovery sleep.