OBJECTIVE: To reveal the sedative and sleeping effcets of Wuling mycelia (a Chinese medicine) and the mechanism involved.METHODS: By using the routine pharmacological methods,the synergistically sedative and sleeping effects of Wuling mycelia and nembutal sodium were detected in mice,while the mechanism involved was investigated by isotope incorporation assay. RESULTS: Powdered Wuling mycelia in combination with nembutal sodium could promote sleep and decrease autonomic locomotions of mice.After administration of Wuling mycelia,the contents of glutamic acid (Glu) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the binding affinity of GABA receptors in the brain were found to be augmented as compared with those of controls.Further,the activity of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) could also be elevated. CONCLUSION: The data suggested that Wuling mycelia possesses the ability to facilitate the entry of Glu and GABA into the brain,to activate the receptors of GABA and thus to exert its sedative and sleep-promoting properties.
M Zhizhng.
Studies on the sedative and sleeping effects of Wuling mycelia and its pharmacological mechanism[J]. Chinese Pharmaceutical Journal, 1999, 34(06): 374-377