Motor hyperactivity of the iron-deficient rat - an animal model of restless legs syndrome.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Abnormal striatal dopamine transmission has been hypothesized to cause restless legs syndrome. Dopaminergic drugs are commonly used to treat restless legs syndrome. However, they cause adverse effects with long-term use. An animal model would allow the systematic testing of potential therapeutic drugs. A high prevalence of restless legs syndrome has been reported in iron-deficient anemic patients. We hypothesized that the iron-deficient animal would exhibit signs similar to those in restless legs syndrome patients.

Methods

After baseline polysomnographic recordings, iron-deficient rats received pramipexole injection. Then, iron-deficient rats were fed a standard rodent diet, and polysomnographic recording were performed for 2 days each week for 4 weeks.

Results

SUBMITTER: Lai YY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5759344 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature