Hypnogenic effects of des-acetyl-alpha-MSH and CLIP (ACTH 18-39) in the rat

In the rat, the intraventricular administration of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) has no effect upon the sleep-waking cycle. However, administration of two ACTH-derived peptides is followed by a selective and significant increase of each sleep state: Des-alpha-MSH (Des-acetyl-alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone) administration induces an increase of slow wave sleep, while CLIP (corticotropin-like intermediate lobe peptide) is followed by an increase of paradoxical sleep.