Dados do Trabalho

Título

EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF PRAMIPEXOLE AND EXERCISE ON RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME

Introdução

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep-related movement disorder, which manifests as an uncontrollable desire to move, especially the legs, to relieve uncomfortable sensations. These symptoms are worse in the late afternoon and at night and can be relieved through movement. Pramipexole (PPX) is used as a first-line treatment for RLS. However, its chronic or continuous use may increase the severity of RLS symptoms (augmentation). Besides that, the exercise has positive effects in reducing RLS symptoms.

Objetivo

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of treatments with PPX and exercise on the sleep pattern in an experimental model of RLS (Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats / SHR).

Métodos

For this, the animals were divided into 4 groups: 1) SHR control (CTRL); 2) SHR chronic exercise (CE); 3) SHR pramipexole (PPX) and, 4) SHR chronic exercise and pramipexole (CE + PPX). PPX treatment was carried out at a dose of 0.125 mg/kg (daily, i.p.) during four weeks. To assess the sleep pattern, electrocortical and electromyographic analyzes were performed in the period between 2 and 6 am. The following sleep parameters were examined: Total Sleep Time, Sleep Efficiency, Arousals, Wakefulness, Slow Wave Sleep, REM Sleep, and Limb Movements. Data were analyzed SPSS Statistics (version 25 IBM corporation).

Resultados

The results showed that the use of PPX reduced statistically the percentage of sleep efficiency, as well as REM sleep and increased wakefulness, in relation to the control group. Thus, considering that increased wakefulness is associated with worsening of RLS symptoms, we suggest that PPX caused the augmentation effect.

Conclusões

Although no statistically significant differences were observed with exercise, the literature already demonstrates its positive effect in reducing RLS symptoms. Thus, it is of great importance to carry out other studies that evaluate the effect of exercise through other protocols, in the period from 2 am to 6 am in SHR rats.

Palavras -chave

Dopaminergic agonists; Periodic Leg Movement; Polysomnography.