REM-SLEEP DEPRIVATION ALTERS DOPAMINE D-2 RECEPTOR-BINDING IN THE RAT FRONTAL-CORTEX

REM sleep deprivation (RSD) of rats results in facilitation of dopaminergic behavior and an increase in striatal D-2 receptor density. To determine whether RSD results in changes in D-2 receptor in other brain regions, receptor affinity (K-d) and density (B-max) were measured in the anteromediofrontal (AM), cingulate (CN), and sulcal cortex (SL) in four groups of rats: 1), RSD96 group (RSD for 96 h; small pedestal/water tank method), 2) RSD24 group (large pedestals for 72 h then small pedestals for 24 h), 3) tank control group (TC; large pedestals for 96 h), and 4) cage control group. In separate groups, ambulation was recorded for 30 min following treatments. Group RSD96 showed an increase in activity compared to TC, and TC was increased compared to CC (p < 0.05 for all). In group RSD24, the AM showed an increase in B-max and K-d (p < 0.05), but there were no effects by RSD96. In the CN, B-max and K-d were decreased by RSD96 (p < 0.05) but not RSD24. In the SL, B-max was increased by RSD96, but not RSD24, whereas K-d was increased in both RSD groups (p < 0.05).