Product Overview

DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide)

DSIP is a synthetic nonapeptide (Trp–Ala–Gly–Gly–Asp–Ala–Ser–Gly–Glu) originally isolated from rabbit cerebral venous blood and characterized for its ability to induce slow-wave (delta) sleep when administered centrally in animal models.^[1][2] DSIP and its analogs enhance delta and spindle EEG activity, supporting a sleep-promoting role.^[1][2] However, the precise physiological function and endogenous regulation of DSIP in humans remain incompletely understood, and a specific DSIP receptor has not been confirmed.^[3]

Preclinical studies show DSIP and fusion peptides can cross the blood–brain barrier and modulate serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, and melatonin systems implicated in sleep and circadian regulation.^[4][5] In animal models, DSIP increases non-REM and REM sleep, reduces sleep latency, and improves sleep architecture—particularly under stress or hypoxic conditions.^[6][5][1][2] DSIP also exhibits stress-protective and antioxidant effects, enhancing mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation/ATP production in rat brain mitochondria and mitigating hypoxia-induced dysfunction.^[7] It modulates neuroendocrine stress responses (substance P, β-endorphin, corticosterone), potentially enhancing resilience to stressors.^[8]

Clinical data are limited. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in chronic insomniacs, IV DSIP (25 nmol/kg) modestly improved objective sleep efficiency and reduced sleep latency, though subjective sleep quality and tiredness were unchanged.^[9] CSF DSIP-like immunoreactivity has correlated with delta sleep in humans, but clinical significance is unclear.^[10] Overall, DSIP’s role in human sleep regulation is less established than other neuropeptides such as GHRH and CRH.^[11][12]

DSIP has also been investigated for restoring cognitive function and memory in models of sleep deprivation and hypoxia, with phosphorylated DSIP analogs improving spatial memory and hippocampal CREB phosphorylation.^[6] Its stress-protective, antioxidant, and neuroendocrine-modulating actions may underlie broader therapeutic potential.

Typical research doses in animals range from microgram to milligram quantities, with 10 mg referenced in experimental protocols; optimal human dosing and long-term safety have not been established.^[9][5][7]

In summary, DSIP is a neuropeptide with demonstrated sleep-promoting, stress-protective, and neuromodulatory effects in preclinical models, and limited evidence for sleep improvement in humans. Its precise physiological role, clinical efficacy, and safety profile require further investigation.^{[3][9][6][11][5][10][7][8][1][2][12]}

References

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