We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Hypocretin and its emerging role as a target for treatment of sleep disorders.
- Authors
Cao, Michelle; Guilleminault, Christian
- Abstract
The neuropeptides hypocretin-1 and -2 (orexin A and B) are critical in the regulation of arousal and maintenance of wakefulness. Understanding the role of the hypocretin system in sleep/wake regulation has come from narcolepsy-cataplexy research. Deficiency of hypocretin results in loss of sleep/wake control with consequent unstable transitions from wakefulness into non-rapid eye movement (REM) and REM sleep, and clinical manifestations including daytime hypersomnolence, sleep attacks, and cataplexy. The hypocretin system regulates sleep/wake control through complex interactions between monoaminergic/cholinergic wake-promoting and GABAergic sleep-promoting neuronal systems. Research for the hypocretin agonist and the hypocretin antagonist for the treatment of sleep disorders has vigorously increased over the past 10 years. This review will focus on the origin, functions, and mechanisms in which the hypocretin system regulates sleep and wakefulness, and discuss its emerging role as a target for the treatment of sleep disorders.
- Publication
Current neurology and neuroscience reports, 2011, Vol 11, Issue 2, p227
- ISSN
1534-6293
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1007/s11910-010-0172-9