Epidermal growth factor enhances spontaneous sleep in rabbits.
Several growth factors are implicated in sleep regulation. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is found in the brain, and it influences the production of several sleep-promoting substances. We determined, therefore, whether administration of exogenous EGF affected spontaneous sleep in rabbits. Twenty-five rabbits were implanted with electroencephalographic electrodes, a brain thermistor, and an intracerebroventricular guide cannula. Three doses of EGF (0.5, 5, and 25 microg) were used. The animals were injected intracerebroventricularly with saline as control and one dose of EGF on 2 separate days. Five and twenty-five micrograms of EGF enhanced non-rapid eye movement sleep and increased brain temperature. The 25-microg dose of EGF also inhibited rapid eye movement sleep across the 23-h postinjection recording period. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that EGF, like other growth factors, could be involved in sleep regulation.
Kushikata
T
T
Department of Veterinary and Comparative Anatomy, Pharmacology and Physiology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-6520, USA.
Fang
J
J
Chen
Z
Z
Wang
Y
Y
Krueger
J M
JM
D000818:Animals; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D003624:Darkness; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000502:physiology; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D007276:Injections, Intraventricular; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D012895:Sleep, REM / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor