Effects of delta-sleep-inducing peptide on NMDA-induced convulsive activity in rats.

Acute experiments on rats showed that the ED100 of NMDA for induction of clonic convulsions was 0.53 microgram, while the ED100 of NMDA for inducing tonic extension of the forelimbs was 5.02 micrograms/animal. Determination of these parameters after administration of delta-sleep-inducing peptide (100 micrograms/kg, i.p.) revealed 2.3- and 4.46-fold increases. These results provide evidence for a neuroprotective role of delta-sleep-inducing peptide in relation to excitatory amino acid receptor agonists.