Enhancement of slow wave sleep parallel to the satiating effect of acidic fibroblast growth factor in rats.

Male Wistar rats bearing both chronic cortical electrodes and ICV guide cannula were used. Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) or vehicle was injected in the lateral ventricle (20, 40, and 80 ng) while EEG and feeding patterns (via microbalance and a computerized monitor) were recorded. Forty and 80, but not 20, ng of aFGF brought about a significant reduction of feeding during 3 h and a dramatic increase of slow wave sleep during 6 h postinjection. Paradoxical sleep remained unchanged. Rectal temperature did not change. These concomitant effects of a single injection of aFGF on feeding and particularly on sleep are similar to the effect of a large meal on the same behavioral parameters.