Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) increases paradoxical sleep (PS) rebound in PS-deprived rats.
The intracerebroventricular injection (1 microgram) of murine corticotropin-releasing factor (r-CRF) to rats after 72 h of sleep deprivation markedly postponed the sleep onset, reduced slow wave sleep and prolonged the duration of paradoxical sleep (PS) episodes. Moreover, CRF is-to our knowledge-the first compound to be able to further prolong PS in a condition (sleep deprivation) in which its duration is already increased. Our findings raise the possibility that CRF might play a physiological role in the regulation of the sleep-wakefulness cycle.
Marrosu
F
F
Institute of Neurology, University of Cagliari, Italy.
Gessa
G L
GL
Giagheddu
M
M
Fratta
W
W
D000818:Animals; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007276:Injections, Intraventricular; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012892:Sleep Deprivation / Q000502:physiology*; D012895:Sleep, REM / Q000187:drug effects*
D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone