The α2-Adrenoceptor Agonist Dexmedetomidine Converges on an Endogenous Sleep-promoting Pathway to Exert Its Sedative Effects

Abstract

The authors propose that endogenous sleep pathways are causally involved in dexmedetomidine-induced sedation; dexmedetomidine's sedative mechanism involves inhibition of the LC, which disinhibits VLPO firing. The increased release of GABA at the terminals of the VLPO inhibits TMN firing, which is required for the sedative response.