JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Sep 11, 1996 v276 n10 p65 (2)
Narcolepsy researchers barking up the right tree. Lynne Lamberg
New evidence for heritibility of Narcolepsy. The Doberman's narcolepsy is a recessive trait. Canine narcolepsy is linked to the human immunoglobin switch gene. The immune system has a role in narcolepsy. But, 98% of Narcoleptic have the DBQ1*0602 allele and 25% of the population also have this allele. Thus DBQ1 alone does not produce narcolepsy. Only 20% of monozygotic twins both suffer from narcolepsy. This pulls focus away from genetics, environmental cues also have a role. The new drug modafinil is one of the first nonamphetamine to have positive results the first drug to be approved by the FDA to fight narcolepsy in 40 years
Modafinil research
1. Modafinil for sustaining the alertness of helicopter pilots
2. Modafinil augmentation of antidepressant treatment
3. Modafinil the unique properties of a new stimulant
4. Modafinil children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
5. Modafinil tolerability in healthy male volunteers
6. Modafinil successful treatment of hypersomnia & narcolepsy
7. Modafinil narcolepsy: symptoms and management
8. Modafinil amplification of cortical serotonin release
9. Modafinil treatment of alcoholic organic brain syndrome
10. Modafinil effect on melatonin, cortisol, and growth hormone
11. Modafinil in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome