Modafinil enhances thalamocortical activity by increasing neuronal electrotonic coupling.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 17640897.
- Also identified by PMC identifier 1925036.
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Abstract
Modafinil (Provigil, Modiodal), an antinarcoleptic and mood-enhancing drug, is shown here to sharpen thalamocortical activity and to increase electrical coupling between cortical interneurons and between nerve cells in the inferior olivary nucleus. After irreversible pharmacological block of connexin permeability (i.e., by using either 18beta-glycyrrhetinic derivatives or mefloquine), modafinil restored electrotonic coupling within 30 min. It was further established that this restoration is implemented through a Ca(2+)/calmodulin protein kinase II-dependent step.
Medical subject headings
- Benzhydryl Compounds
- Brain
- Electrons
- Neurons