[Effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors with a broad range of action on the structure and phase ratio of the wakefulness-sleep cycle in the cat].

The monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors disturb the structure of the sleep-wakefulness cycle and its ultradian rhythms by prolongation of the slow-wave sleep, complete suppression of the paradoxical sleep (PS) and considerable shortage of the wakefulness phase. When synchronizing action of MAO inhibitors has stopped prolongation of wakefulness is observed both before and during partial recovery of the PS. This fact is considered as an indication of the accumulation of a need of wakefulness in the course of its partial deprivation by MAO inhibitors. MAO inhibitors exert a particularly strong effect on the PS producing long-term suppression of its tonic and phasic components. Complete inhibition of the PS is apparently due to selective deterioration of the functional state of its trigger mechanisms.