Delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP)
Also known as: DSIP
A nonapeptide originally isolated from rabbit cerebral venous blood during induced sleep states. Despite the name, its role in sleep regulation has never been firmly established.
Development status: Preclinical — laboratory and animal studies only
Identifiers and molecular characteristics
- CAS number
- Not verified
- Molecular formula
- Not verified
- Molecular mass
- Not verified
- Amino-acid sequence
- Not verified
- PubChem CID
- Not verified
Identifiers are published only with a source and a check date. Fields marked “not verified” have not yet been confirmed against a primary source — we show the gap rather than an unchecked figure. Always confirm against the certificate of analysis for the specific lot you hold.
Biological targets
- Not established
Mechanism of action
No receptor has been definitively identified. The name reflects the circumstances of its discovery rather than a demonstrated mechanism — a point frequently lost in secondary writing about it.
Research evidence and its limits
A scattered literature dating largely from the 1970s and 1980s, with inconsistent findings and little modern follow-up.
Safety considerations
No regulatory authority has assessed this compound as safe or effective for any human indication. The published record is predominantly laboratory and animal work, which does not establish human safety. Supplied and discussed here strictly as a laboratory research material. Not a medicine, not for human or veterinary administration, and nothing on this page should be read as a dosing, treatment or safety recommendation.
Analytical identification and quality testing
Identity by high-resolution mass spectrometry against the expected mass, purity by RP-HPLC with UV detection. Tandem MS sequencing or peptide mapping gives stronger identity evidence than mass alone.
Regulatory status
Not an approved medicine.
Frequently asked questions
Does DSIP reliably induce sleep?
The published evidence does not establish that. It was named for the conditions under which it was discovered, not for a demonstrated and reproducible effect on sleep.
References
Related compounds
Semax
A synthetic heptapeptide derived from a fragment of ACTH with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension that confers enzymatic stability. Developed and studied largely in Russia, where it has had regional regulatory status.
Selank
A synthetic heptapeptide based on the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, extended with Pro-Gly-Pro for stability. Studied principally for anxiolytic-related effects.
Entry last reviewed 2026-10-11. Regulatory status and scientific understanding change; verify against primary sources before relying on anything here.