Dexmedetomidine

Dexmedetomidine is an agonist of α₂-adrenergic receptors (α₂-ARs).¹ It selectively binds to α₂-ARs over α₁-ARs (K_is = 0.015 and 5 nM, respectively). In vivo, dexmedetomidine (50 µg/kg) prevents increases in cardiac troponin I (CTnI), a marker of myocardial injury, as well as reduces myocardial apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis in a mouse model of sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), effects that can be reversed by the α₂-AR antagonist yohimbine (Item No. 19869).² Dexmedetomidine (40 µg/kg) induces sedation and decreases mechanical nociception in cats.³ Formulations containing dexmedetomidine have been used as sedatives. This product is also available as an analytical reference standard (Item No. 38806).

WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.

1. Ross, T.M., Jetter, M.C., McDonnell, M.E., et al. α2 Adrenoceptor agonists as potential analgesic agents. 2. Discovery of 4-(4-imidazo)-1,3-dimethyl-6,7-dihydro-thianaphthene as a high-affinity ligand for the α2D adrenergic receptor. J. Med. Chem. 43(7), 1423-1426 (2000).

2. Wang, C., Yuan, W., Hu, A., et al. Dexmedetomidine alleviated sepsis‑induced myocardial ferroptosis and septic heart injury. Mol. Med. Rep. 22(1), 175-184 (2020).

3. Nagore, L., Soler, C., Gil, L., et al. Sedative effects of dexmedetomidine, dexmedetomidine-pethidine and dexmedetomidine-butorphanol in cats. J. Vet. Pharmacol. Ther. 6(3), 222-228 (2013).