Dexmedetomidine Increases Hippocampal Phosphorylated Extracellular Signal–regulated Protein Kinase 1 and 2 Content by an α2-Adrenoceptor–independent Mechanism

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine increases the expression of pERK1 and 2 via mechanisms independent of alpha2AR activation. The I1-imidazoline receptors likely contribute to these effects. The results may be relevant to some long-term effects (e.g., neuroprotective) of dexmedetomidine in the brain.