P-SPA, A PERIPHERAL ADENOSINE A(1) ANALOG, REDUCES SLEEP APNEAS IN RATS

The actions of N-6-p-sulfophenyladenosine (p-SPA), a novel peripherall y selective adenosine A(1) agonist, were assessed on spontaneous and p ostsigh central sleep apneas in freely moving, unanesthetized rats by simultaneously monitoring sleep and respiration. Intraperitoneal admin istration of 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/kg of the drug significantly decreas ed postsigh and spontaneous sleep apnea index (Al). This effect persis ted throughout the 6-h recording period. Doses of 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg di d not affect sleep efficiency, whereas 1.0 mg/kg of p-SPA reduced it t o 60% of baseline value.