[Analysis of the action of a neuropeptide that induces delta-sleep in cats and white rats].

Suboccipital administration of the oligopeptide in a dose 15 or 20 micrograms/kg evokes within 15--20 min the electrographic (delta-sleep) and behavioural sleep in cats and albino rats. Oligopeptide administration significantly increases threshold reactions of EEG to sonic stimulation. Significant delay (for 50--90 min) of the development of paradoxical sleep was observed which is considered as a manifestation of inhibition of further development of sleep mechanisms due to the effect of neuropeptide. The data obtained indicate that natural sleep is not identical to that induced by the neuropeptide.