This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 677, an undergraduate course at UW-Madison
Chemical Genetics
There were no chemicals associated with the hypocretin receptor 1 after searching Pubchem. Of the treatments for narcolepsy, none are known to cure it, only treat the symptoms. Stimulants such as Modafinil are used to treat the excessive daytime sleepiness symptoms of narcolepsy. Modafinil is a new, less addictive stimulant than others on the market, such as amphetamines. To treat cataplexy, hallucinations, and sleep paralysis, anti-depressants such as Prozac, which is an SSRI (selective seratonin re-uptake inhibitors), are used.
Other drugs that target the hypocretin pathway have been looked into being synthesized. One idea for a drug has been to directly administer hypocretin to the body by way of a nasal spray so it can migrate straight to the hypothalamus. One problem with this idea, and others like it, is that hypocretin is a highly unstable ligand, so it is very difficult to administer straight into the body.
Other drugs that target the hypocretin pathway have been looked into being synthesized. One idea for a drug has been to directly administer hypocretin to the body by way of a nasal spray so it can migrate straight to the hypothalamus. One problem with this idea, and others like it, is that hypocretin is a highly unstable ligand, so it is very difficult to administer straight into the body.
Prozac: an SSRI used to combat narcoleptic symptoms such as: hallucinations, sleep paralysis, and cataplexy
Modafinil: a new stimulant used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness symptoms in narcoleptic patients
References:
(1) Pubchem website.
(2) Helpguide.org: Narcoleptic symptoms, causes, treatments, and medications. Link.
(3) Prozac image. Sunny Chanel. They Say: Prozac When Pregnant Can Cause Heart Problems in Babies. Link
(4) Modafinil image. Px-price online store. Link.
(2) Helpguide.org: Narcoleptic symptoms, causes, treatments, and medications. Link.
(3) Prozac image. Sunny Chanel. They Say: Prozac When Pregnant Can Cause Heart Problems in Babies. Link
(4) Modafinil image. Px-price online store. Link.
Eric Suchy, Email: [email protected], last updated: May 15, 2010
