Lower CSF orexin A (hypocretin-1) levels in patients with schizophrenia treated with haloperidol compared to unmedicated subjects

Abstract

Hypothalamic orexins (hypocretins) regulate sleep, arousal and appetite. Interactions between the dopaminergic and orexinergic systems have been suggested, but so far the effects of drugs targeting dopaminergic neurotransmission on orexin production in humans are unknown. The authors found reduced cerebrospinal orexin-A levels in patients with schizophrenia taking the antidopaminergic drug haloperidol compared to untreated patients, suggesting that some antipsychotic drugs might affect arousal and sleep regulation through the orexinergic systems.