Figure 2.

The schema demonstrating adrenergic mechanisms of sleep modulation and spike-wave discharge (SWD) modulation. The upper plot demonstrates the natural drug-free state. The bottom plot—pharmacologically induced condition after administration of agonist of alpha2 adrenoreceptors. Noradrenaline affects alpha1, alpha2 and beta-receptors, and NA concentration during sleep/sedation is lower (blue area) than during wakefulness (rose area). Transient states between wake and sleep/sedation are favorable for SWD to occur. See explanations in the text.