Dexmedetomidine suppresses long-term potentiation in the hippocampal CA1 field of anesthetized rats.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on hippocampal synaptic activity in vivo.

Methods: The adult rats used for this study received a intraperitoneal bolus injection of 3, 10, 30, or 100 μg/kg of DEX or an equivalent volume of saline. Electrophysiological recording of the hippocampal CA1 region was initiated 20 min after drug administration.