Could dexmedetomidine be repurposed as a glymphatic enhancer?
Niklas Daniel Åke Persson, Panu Uusalo, Maiken Nedergaard, Terhi J. Lohela, Tuomas O. Lilius
Abstract
-adrenergic agonist dexmedetomidine is a sedative drug that induces slow waves in the electroencephalogram, suppresses central noradrenergic tone, and preserves glymphatic outflow. As recently developed dexmedetomidine formulations enable self-administration, we suggest that dexmedetomidine could serve as a sedative-hypnotic drug to enhance clearance of harmful waste from the brain of those vulnerable to neurodegeneration.
Topics & Concepts
Glymphatic systemDexmedetomidineSedativeMedicineAnesthesiaAgonistCerebrospinal fluidNeuroscienceWakefulnessAnestheticPharmacologySedationPsychologyElectroencephalographyInternal medicineReceptorCerebrospinal fluid and hydrocephalusTraumatic Brain Injury and Neurovascular DisturbancesNeuroscience of respiration and sleep