Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on hippocampal synaptic activity in vivo.
Methods:The adult rats used for this study received a bolus intraperitoneal injection of 3, 10, 30, or 100 μg/kg of DEX or an equivalent volume of saline. Electrophysiological Results: Intraperitoneal administration of DEX at doses of 30 and 100 μg/kg induced a range of sedative effects. AUC measurements were significantly lower in the 30 and 100 μg/kg groups when compared to the vehicle rats (vehicle: 8.81 ± 0.49, n = 7; DEX 30 µg/kg: 6.02 ± 0.99, n = 6; DEX 100 µg/kg: 5.10 ± 0.43, n = 5; P < 0.05).
Conclusion:Our in vivo study revealed that sedative doses of DEX impair the induction of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP). These findings may signify a causal link between DEX-induced sedative action and hippocampal LTP suppression, providing a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the DEX-induced sedative and/or amnestic effect.