Quinine, is an anti-malarial drug that specifically blocks connexin 36 (Cx36) at gap junction channels. Quinine has suppressed ictal epileptiform activity in vitro without decreasing neuronal excitability. Thus, we considered the possible anticonvulsant effects of quinine in the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) model of seizure. Moreover, we studied the hypnotic effect and locomotor activity of quinine...

This investigation compares the effects of single and double doses of nitrazepam (5 and 10 mg) and zopiclone (7.5 and 15 mg) and placebo for 1 night in 40 psychiatric patients. The results indicate that zopiclone is an active hypnotic compound, comparable in its effects to those of nitrazepam, the higher dosage being best adapted to the type of patients included in the study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between quantitative electroencephalograph relative amplitude, relative power and hypnotic susceptibility. Hypnotic susceptibility, measured by the Wickramasekera Experience Inventory, was found to be positively correlated with QEEG theta relative amplitude (r = 0.260, p < .10). In addition, hypnotic susceptibility was found to be ne...

In the present study, four non-drug-abusing humans were trained to discriminate between a hypnotic dose of pentobarbital, 100 mg, and placebo. After acquiring the pentobarbital-placebo discrimination, a range of doses of zolpidem, triazolam, pentobarbital and caffeine were tested to determine whether they shared discriminative stimulus effects with the training dose of pentobarbital, Zolpidem, ...

Exploring autonomic nervous system (ANS) changes during hypnosis is critical for understanding the nature and extent of the hypnotic phenomenon and for identifying the mechanisms underlying the effects of hypnosis in different medical conditions. To assess ANS changes during hypnosis, electrodermal activity and pulse rate variability (PRV) were measured in 121 young adults. Participants either ...

Disparate theoretical viewpoints construe hypnotic suggestibility either as a stable trait, largely determined by underlying cognitive aptitude, or as a flexible skill amenable to attitudinal factors including beliefs and expectations. Circumscribed findings support both views. The present study attempted to consolidate these orthogonal perspectives through the lens of expectancy modification. ...

This study assessed response times and accuracy of motor imagery in waking and hypnotic states and to related responses to hypnotic experiences. The Vividness of Motor Imagery Questionnaire (VMIQ) was administered to 47 participants. A mental walking task was then performed in the waking state. In hypnosis, the same task was included within an imaginary journey after a hypnotic induction. An in...

Clinically used benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic agents for the treatment of insomnia produce their therapeutic effects through allosteric enhancement of the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA at the GABA(A) receptor. Indiplon is a novel pyrazolopyrimidine sedative-hypnotic agent, currently in development for insomnia. Using radioligand binding studies, indipl...

The present study investigated the effectiveness of an operant conditioning approach for increasing hypnotic susceptibility. Results revealed significant increases in hypnotic susceptibility, significant generalization to a new set of more difficult items, and no substantial decrease in the stability of improvement. Attitudinal, motivational, and learning factors were considered in relation to ...

Four important investigations were reported during the latter part of 2001. All address the biological impact of hypnotic interventions. Three of these studies focus specifically on if and how hypnotic interventions affect immune functions. A range of immune assays is employed, from allergic response to blood-based assays of immune functioning during nonlaboratory periods of stress. In all 3 ca...