MODIFICATION OF REM-SLEEP AND ASSOCIATED PHASIC ACTIVITIES BY PROTEIN-SYNTHESIS INHIBITORS

The sleep-wake cycle and multiple-unit activity following the administration of various doses of protein synthesis inhibitors was studied in unrestrained cats. Special care was taken to analyze the effects of those drugs on phasic and tonic rapid eye movement (REM) sleep periods. It was observed that protein synthesis inhibitors decreased specifically total REM sleep time, at the expense of wakefulness, without altering slow-wave sleep time. It was further noted that the reduction in REM sleep was the result of a decrease in the frequency of REM periods, rather than in the duration of each individual period. In addition, protein synthesis inhibitors decreased phasic REM sleep and notably prolonged tonic REM periods. Moreover the phasic bursts of multiple-unit activity normally seen during REM sleep in control recordings were practically absent during REM sleep after the administration of protein synthesis inhibitors. It is suggested that protein molecules may participate in the mechanisms which trigger REM sleep. © 1979.