ACTIVE IMMUNIZATION OF RATS AGAINST INSULIN BETA-SUBUNITS - EFFECTS ON SLEEP AND FEEDING

The effects of active immunization against peripheral insulin beta sub units on different sleep variables and food consumption were studied i n rats. Insulin subunits beta coupled to thyroglobulin was used as imm unogen and rats immunized with thyroglobulin alone served as controls. Active immunization against insulin beta subunits affects sleep varia bles, particularly slow-wave sleep during the dark period, increasing significantly this stage of sleep and decreasing waking. Feeding behav ior and body weight remained unchanged. These results are compatible w ith previous studies showing a positive correlation between decrease o f insulin secretion and sleep disturbances. A possible relationship be tween peripheral alpha and or beta subunits of insulin, sleep, and fee ding is suggested. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.