Effect of eszopiclone on pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping time in acute hypobaric hypoxia mice

Abstract

Objective To assess the effects of eszopiclone(ESZ) on the pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping time and spontaneous activity in mice exposed to acute hypobaric hypoxia. Methods 120 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups by using two factors 2×3 levels factorial design, in which two factors were interventions (ESZ and 0.9% sodium chloride, 2 levels) and altitudes (800 m, 3500 m and 6000 m, 3 levels). The pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping test and the open field test were engaged to assess the effects of ESZ on sleeping time and spontaneous activity. Results (1)The drug and altitude had no interaction in the results of both the pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping test and the open field test(P>0.05). (2)The time of pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping of mice in the groups of ESZ at each altitudes were (37.77±18.22)min, (37.02±13.67)min, (95.67±47.68)min and in the groups of NS were(17.78±14.10)min, (15.09±12.46)min, (39.54±28.24)min respectively, and the sleep time in ESZ groups were significantly longer than those in the groups of NS (P 0.05); while the mice at the altitude of 6000 m in groups of ESZ and NS decreased compared with the groups at the altitude of 800 m after the relevant drugs intra-perineally for 6 h (P<0.05). Conclusion ESZ may prolong pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping time especially at the altitude of 6000 m and with no influence on the spontaneous activity in mice exposed to acute hypobaric hypoxia.High altitude at 6000 m may prolong the sleep time induced by pentobarbital sodium and reduce the spontaneous activities. Key words: Eszopiclone; Hypobaric hypoxia; Sleeping time; Spontaneous activity