Synthesis of the tripeptide L-Trp-L-Ser-L-Glu. Comparison of its biological activity with that of the delta-sleep-inducing-peptide (DSIP).
Monnier. V M VM
Key Findings
- The tripeptide L‑Trp‑L‑Ser‑L‑Glu was successfully synthesized using the mixed anhydride method with benzyl protecting groups.
- The peptide was administered by intraventricular infusion in rabbits under the same conditions used for DSIP.
Practical Outcomes
- For biohackers, this means you cannot swap DSIP with a simpler tripeptide and expect the same sleep‑enhancing results. DSIP’s activity appears unique, so any protocols that rely on its effects should continue using the authentic peptide rather than a related short sequence.
Summary
Scientists made a three‑amino‑acid peptide (L‑Trp‑L‑Ser‑L‑Glu) that shares the same first building block as the natural sleep‑inducing peptide DSIP. When they injected it into rabbit brains, it did not produce the characteristic increase in slow‑wave (delta) brain activity that DSIP does, showing the effect is specific to DSIP.
Abstract
In order to test the specificity of the natural Delta-Sleep-Inducing-Peptide (DSIP), a tripeptide with the same N-terminal amino acid was synthesized. The synthesis of the new tripeptide L-Trp-L-Ser-L-Glu was carried out by the method of the mixed anhydride. Protecting groups were all oxygen-bound benzyl groups. The physical-chemical data of the newly synthesized peptides are reported. The biological activity of the tripeptide was assayed by intraventricular infusion in the rabbit under the same conditions as for the DSIP. The effects of the tripeptide on the EEG could not duplicate those of DSIP which induced a marked increase of delta activity, typical for orthodox 'Slow Wave Sleep' (SWS).
Study Information
pubmed
1977