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Science 26 March 1976:
Vol. 191. no. 4233, pp. 1281 - 1283
DOI: 10.1126/science.176724
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Articles

Science, Vol 191, Issue 4233, 1281-1283
Copyright © 1976 by American Association for the Advancement of Science

articles

REM sleep induction by physostigmine infusion during sleep

N Sitaram, RJ Wyatt, S Dawson, and JC Gillin

Physostigmine (an anticholinesterase agent that increases acetylcholine at the synapse), in a dose of 0.5 milligram, was given intravenously to seven normal human volunteers. When injected during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, physostigmine woke the subjects, and when injected during non-REM sleep, it induced REM sleep. This result suggests that cholinergic mechanisms play a role in the induction of REM sleep and in modulating cortical arousal mechanisms.


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