Rapid-eye-movement sleep deprivation decreases the density of 3H-dihydroalprenolol and 3H-imipramine binding sites in the rat cerebral cortex.

The high affinity binding sites for 3H-imipramine (3H-IMI) and 3H-dihydroalprenolol (3H-DHA) in the rat cerebral cortex were studied after 2,4 48 and 72 h of rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep deprivation. Both the Kd and Bmax values for 3H-IMI and 3H-DHA binding remained unaffected after 24 or 48 h of REM sleep deprivation. After 72 or REM sleep deprivation there was a significant reduction in the Bmax for 3H-IMI and 3H-DHA binding with a concomitant increase in the apparent affinities. The reduction in high affinity 3H-IMI and 3H-dihydroalprenolol binding sites observed 72 h after REM sleep deprivation could be related to the antidepressant effects of REM sleep deprivation in man.