p-SPA, a peripheral adenosine A1 analogue, reduces sleep apneas in rats.

The actions of N6-p-sulfophenyladenosine (p-SPA), a novel peripherally selective adenosine A1 agonist, were assessed on spontaneous and postsigh central sleep apneas in freely moving, unanesthetized rats by simultaneously monitoring sleep and respiration. Intraperitoneal administration of 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/kg of the drug significantly decreased postsigh and spontaneous sleep apnea index (AI). This effect persisted throughout the 6-h recording period. Doses of 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg did not affect sleep efficiency, whereas 1.0 mg/kg of p-SPA reduced it to 60% of baseline value.