Anaturally occurring nonapeptide first isolated from rabbit cerebral venous blood in 1974 by the Schoenenberger-Monnier group. Its amino acid sequence is Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu. DSIP is primarily known for its role in promoting deep, slow-wave sleep (SWS), which is crucial for restorative rest, memory consolidation, and metabolic waste clearance. It is found in the hypothalamus, limbic system, pituitary, and various peripheral tissues, often co-localizing with hormones like ACTH, TSH, and glucagon. Key Functions and Potential Benefits
Sleep Regulation: DSIP modulates the sleep-wake cycle, reducing sleep latency and enhancing SWS. Studies show it increases sleep time by 59% compared to placebo in some human trials and improves sleep efficiency in chronic insomniacs, though results are inconsistent.
Stress and Cortisol Modulation: DSIP exhibits stress-protective effects, potentially regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and reducing cortisol levels. It may counteract stress-induced metabolic disorders.