ACTIVE IMMUNIZATION AGAINST INSULIN AFFECTS SLEEP AND FEEDING IN RATS

The effects of active immunization against peripheral insulin on diffe rent sleep parameters and food consumption were studied in rats. Insul in coupled to thyroglobulin was used as immunogen and rats immunized w ith thyroglobulin alone served as controls. Active immunization agains t insulin is summarized as follows: (a) the number of arousals was red uced; (b) waking time decreased by about 20%; (c) slow wave sleep was increased; (d) The amount of sleep increased during the light and dark period; (e) feeding was decreased; (f) body weight was reduced; and ( g) the blood glucose level rised. These results are compatible with pr evious studies showing positive correlation between decrease of insuli n secretion, sleep disturbances and decrease of feeding. A possible as sociation between peripheral insulin and brain noradrenergic system, s leep and feeding is suggested.