Dexmedetomidine Activation of Dopamine Neurons in the Ventral Tegmental Area Attenuates the Depth of Sedation in Mice

Conclusions Dexmedetomidine activates dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area and increases dopamine concentrations in the related forebrain projection areas. This mechanism may explain rapid arousability upon dexmedetomidine sedation.Editor ’s PerspectiveWhat We Already Know about This TopicDexmedetomidine is a highly selective α2 receptor agonist with unique sedative propertiesDopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area express α2 receptors, and activation of these cells induces recovery from anesthesiaThe effects of dexmedetomidine on dopaminergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area are incompletely understoodWhat This Article Tells Us That Is NewDexmedetomidine,viaα2 receptor–dependent mechanisms, induces activation of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area of adult miceChemogenetic approaches together with electroencephalographic recordings reveal that the activation of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area may contribute to rapid arousability during dexmedetomidine sedation

Source: Anesthesiology - July 14, 2020 Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research