Proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides and sleep in the rat. Part 1--Hypnogenic properties of ACTH derivatives.

The sleep-wake effects of the proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides, i.c.v. injected, are reported. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH, 1 microgram) induces an awakening effect, while its two derivatives, desacetyl-alpha-MSH (des-alpha-MSH, 1ng) and corticotropin-like intermediate lobe peptide (CLIP, 10 ng), are respectively able to increase slow wave sleep (SWS) and paradoxical sleep (PS); the hypnogenic effect of CLIP is also observed in hypophysectomized rats. Furthermore, two hypothalamic factors known to be involved in the control of POMC derivatives were also injected; MSH inhibiting Factor (MIF) does not influence the vigilance states, while Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF, 1 microgram) increases the waking state. Finally, some preliminary results, obtained with a restraint stress and suggesting a possible interrelation between stress, sleep and POMC derivatives, are discussed.