GABA and Sleep: Molecular, Functional and Clinical Aspects

Description

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the main neurotransmitter regulating sleep. The majority of drugs presently in use for the treatment of sleep disorders act by enhancing GABAergic neuronal inhibition. This book brings together many of the world’s leading investigators to discuss current and anticipated developments in the areas of geriatric sleep medicine and provides a comprehensive examination of current principles and practice in this field. It is divided into three main sections: Section I: Basic Physiology and Pharmacology Section II: Sleep Science and Circuitry Section III: Neurotherapeutics The areas covered include findings from research investigations various aspects of GABAergic systems and the regulation of sleep. The book is suitable for basic and clinical neuropharmacologists, sleep researchers, psychiatrists, sleep disorders specialists, clinicians, medical students, and all professionals interested in the interdisciplinary areas of sleep and neuropharmacology. Front Matter....Pages i-xxiv Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Physiology and Pharmacology of the GABA System: Focus on GABA Receptors....Pages 3-23 Development of Subtype-Selective GABA A Receptor Compounds for the Treatment of Anxiety, Sleep Disorders and Epilepsy....Pages 25-72 Distribution of GABA A Receptor Subunits in the Human Brain....Pages 73-93 Pharmacokinetic Determinants of the Clinical Effects of Benzodiazepine Agonist Hypnotics....Pages 95-118 Front Matter....Pages 119-119 Sleep and Its Modulation by Substances That Affect GABA A Receptor Function....Pages 121-146 Subcortical Neuromodulation of Feedforward and Feedback Inhibitory Microcircuits by the Reticular Activating System....Pages 147-168 Function of GABA B and ρ-Containing GABA A Receptors (GABA C Receptors) in the Regulation of Basic and Higher Integrated Sleep-Waking Processes....Pages 169-188 Interactions Between GABAergic and Serotonergic Processes in the Dorsal Raphe Nucleus in the Control of REM Sleep and Wakefulness....Pages 189-198 GABA-ergic Modulation of Pontine Cholinergic and Noradrenergic Neurons for REM Sleep Generation....Pages 199-212 Involvement of GABAergic Mechanisms in the Laterodorsal and Pedunculopontine Tegmental Nuclei (LDT–PPT) in the Promotion of REM Sleep....Pages 213-231 GABAergic Mechanisms in the Ventral Oral Pontine Tegmentum: The REM Sleep-Induction Site – in the Modulation of Sleep–Wake States....Pages 233-252 The Role of GABAergic Modulation of Mesopontine Cholinergic Neurotransmission in Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep....Pages 253-277 Melatonin and Sleep: Possible Involvement of GABAergic Mechanisms....Pages 279-301 GABA Involvement in the Circadian Regulation of Sleep....Pages 303-321 Front Matter....Pages 323-323 Pathophysiology of Sleep Disorders....Pages 325-361 Insomnia: Differential Diagnosis and Current Treatment Approach....Pages 363-381 Zolpidem in the Treatment of Adult and Elderly Primary Insomnia Patients....Pages 383-411 Efficacy and Safety of Zopiclone and Eszopiclone in the Treatment of Primary and Comorbid Insomnia....Pages 413-451 Indiplon....Pages 453-464 Polysomnographic and Clinical Assessment of Zaleplon for the Treatment of Primary Insomnia....Pages 465-480 Back Matter....Pages 481-486