Effects of Catecholamine Depletion on Alertness and Mood in Rested and Sleep Deprived Normal Volunteers

Abstract

Alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine (AMPT), a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor, was used to evaluate the physiologic role of CNS catecholamines in modulating alertness and mood. Forty healthy males were randomized to one of four conditions: AMPT in a rested condition (AMPT/R); AMPT plus 40.5 hours of total sleep deprivation (AMPT/SD); placebo plus sleep deprivation (P/SD); or placebo in a rested condition (P/R). Repeated measures of alertness and mood revealed that treatment with AMPT or sleep deprivation increased sleepiness, and combined treatment produced greater sleepiness than either treatment alone. In contrast, while combined treatment with AMPT and sleep deprivation led to large increases in negative mood, neither treatment alone produced consistent mood changes. These findings are consistent with the view that sleep deprivation is associated with decreased functional catecholamine neurotransmission. Further, mood effects following sleep deprivation plus AMPT suggest that catecholamines may be involved in mood changes during sleep deprivation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1993
Accession Number
ADA269175

Entities

People

  • David M. Penetar
  • David R. Thorne
  • Helen C. Sing
  • Una D. Mccann
  • Yavin Shaham

Organizations

  • Walter Reed Army Institute of Research

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amines
  • Brain
  • Catecholamines
  • Central Nervous System
  • Chemistry
  • Data Analysis
  • Depression
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Metabolism
  • Nervous System
  • Norepinephrine
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychology
  • Psychophysiology
  • Sleep Deprivation
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Tyrosine

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Circadian Sleep-Wake Regulation and Chronobiology
  • Neuroscience