Active immunization of rats against insulin beta subunits: effects on sleep and feeding

The effects of active immunization against peripheral insulin beta subunits on different sleep variables and food consumption were studied in rats. Insulin subunits beta coupled to thyroglobulin was used as immunogen and rats immunized with thyroglobulin alone served as controls. Active immunization against insulin beta subunits affects sleep variables, particularly slow-wave sleep during the dark period, increasing significantly this stage of sleep and decreasing waking. Feeding behavior and body weight remained unchanged. These results are compatible with previous studies showing a positive correlation between decrease of insulin secretion and sleep disturbances. A possible relationship between peripheral alpha and or beta subunits of insulin, sleep, and feeding is suggested.