Adenosine and P1 receptors: Key targets in the regulation of sleep, torpor, and hibernation

Sleep, torpor, and hibernation are three distinct hypometabolic states. However, they have some similar physiological features, such as decreased core body temperature and slowing heart rate. In addition, the accumulation of adenosine seems to be a common feature before entry into these three states, suggesting that adenosine and its receptors, also known as P1 receptors, may mediate the initiation and maintenance of these states. This review, therefore, summarizes the current research on the roles and possible neurobiological mechanisms of adenosine and P1 receptors in sleep, torpor, and hibernation. Understanding these aspects will give us better prospects in sleep disorders, therapeutic hypothermia, and aerospace medicine.

Automated summary

Sleep, torpor, and hibernation are distinct hypometabolic states with similar physiological features. Adenosine and its receptors, known as P1 receptors, appear to play a role in initiating and maintaining these states. This review investigates the neurobiological mechanisms of adenosine and P1 receptors in sleep, torpor, and hibernation, which could have implications for sleep disorders, therapeutic hypothermia, and aerospace medicine.