[Delta-sleep peptide as a modulator of cardiac activity: theoretical recommendations for practice]

In acute and chronic animal (rabbits, rats) experiments it has been shown that delta-sleep producing peptide (DSPP) exerts a noticeable effect on the cardiac function and regulation. DSPP at a dose of 60 nm/kg can prolong the effects of vagus and inhibit those of sympathetic nerves on the cardiac function and, consequently, can influence the function of choline- and adrenergic transmitters. DSPP blocks pressor vascular reactions in response to direct electrical stimulation of ventromedian hypothalamus and thus increases the survival of animals exposed to an acute emotional stress. DSPP normalizes the electrical stability of the heart and produces an antiarrhythmic effect on ventricular ectopic beats that occur in response to emotional stresses. In view of this, DSPP can be recommended for clinical trials as a drug preventing cardiac arrhythmias in stressful situations.