Feeble awake effects of plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 in mice

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-type 1 (PAI-1) is involved in the fibrinolytic system and shows its increased levels in diseases, e.g., obesity and sleep apnea syndrome. The aim of the study is to investigate whether PAI-1 affects sleep–wake patterns in mice. When recombinant mouse PAI-1 was administered intraperitoneally, only rapid but short increases in time spent awake were observed after 20 or 100 μg/kg, although its plasma concentration was kept high for an hour. The results suggest that PAI-1 may serve its role rather as a marker than an initiator of disturbed sleep.

► Plasminogen activator inhibitor-type 1 (PAI-1) increases its plasma levels after intraperitoneal injection.
► PAI-1 can promote wakefulness in mice but the effects do not last long.
► Stress-induced PAI-1 may contribute to disturbed sleep in stress-related diseases.
► However, elevated PAI-1 would be rather a marker but not a cause of sleep disorders.