Multivariate and Psycho-Physiological Functions of DSIP (Delta-Sleep-Inducing Peptide),

Abstract : Delta-Sleep-Inducing-Peptide (DSIP) beside humoral sleep induction acts upon the circadian rhythmicity of the locomotor activity and transmitter concentrations in the brain as well as on that of plasma proteins and cortisol levels in rats. It influences the prolactine levels and the circadian activity of N-Acetyl Transferase. DSIP in humans was found to exert a bell shaped dose response curve exhibiting an activating effect during awake states in situations conductive to sleep. Clinically and statistically significant effects upon sleep architecture were seen from 1h through up to 20h after injection; adverse effects were never observed. Single dose treatments of insomnia showed significant normalization effects of DSIP in all sleep parameters as did repeated administrations in chronic insomniacs. Daytime performance were found to improve after DSIP injections which at higher dose exerted a beneficiary effect in organic insomniacs. The peptide was able to suppress withdrawal effects in benzodiazepine addicts and normalized sleep patterns in narcoleptic patients.