Sleep pattern and locomotor activity are impaired by doxorubicin in non-tumor-bearing rats

PURPOSE: We sought explore the effects of doxorubicin on sleep patterns and locomotor activity. To investigate these effects, two groups were formed: a control group and a Doxorubicin (DOXO) group. METHODS: Sixteen rats were randomly assigned to either the control or DOXO groups. The sleep patterns were examined by polysomnographic recording and locomotor activity was evaluated in an open-field test. RESULTS: In the light period, the total sleep time and slow wave sleep were decreased, while the wake after sleep onset and arousal were increased in the DOXO group compared with the control group (p<0.05). In the dark period, the total sleep time, arousal, and slow wave sleep were increased, while the wake after sleep onset was decreased in the DOXO group compared with the control group (p<0.05). Moreover, DOXO induced a decrease of crossing and rearing numbers when compared control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, our results suggest that doxorubicin induces sleep pattern impairments and reduction of locomotor activity.