SelankThe nootropic anxiolytic peptide — A complete scientific guide
Developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of tuftsin, studied for its anxiolytic and nootropic properties without sedative effect or addictive potential.
What is Selank?
Le Selank(TP-7) is a synthetic sequence peptideThr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, consisting of the tetrapeptidetuftsin(Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) extended by a Pro-Gly-Pro sequence which stabilizes the molecule against enzymatic degradation.
Tuftsin is a natural immunopeptide produced by the cleavage of the heavy chain of IgG. By adding the stabilizing tripeptide, Russian researchers obtained a compound with a prolonged half-life and neurotropic properties absent from native tuftsin.
Documented mechanisms of action
GABAergic Modulation
The Selank modulates theGABAergic systemallosterically, without directly binding to the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A receptor. Electrophysiological studies show:
- Potentiation of GABA-A currents in hippocampal neurons
- No sedative or muscle-relaxing effect (unlike benzodiazepines)
- No development of tolerance after chronic administration in mouse models
- No withdrawal syndrome upon discontinuation
Regulation of BDNF and neurotrophins
One of the best-documented mechanisms of Selank is theregulation of the expression of the BDNF(Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex:
- Increased expression of BDNF mRNA in the hippocampus (studies in rats)
- Activation of the TrkB/CREB pathway involved in synaptic plasticity
- Modulation of NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) expression in the frontal cortex
Serotonergic modulation
Selank influences the metabolism of theserotoninin several brain regions:
- Modulation of serotonin catabolism by inhibition of the MAO-A enzyme in the hypothalamus
- Alteration of the serotonin/5-HIAA ratio in the midbrain
- Stabilization of serotonergic turnover under experimental stress conditions
Immunomodulatory properties
Derived from tuftsin, Selank retains immunomodulatory properties:
- Stimulation of phagocytic activity of monocytes and neutrophils
- Modulation of the expression of the cytokines IL-6, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma
- Regulation of the expression of inflammation-related genes in immune cells
Research data
Animal studies
| Model | Result | Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Elevated cross maze test (rat) | Increase in time spent in open arms (+45%) | 300 mcg/kg intranasal |
| Forced swimming test (mouse) | Reduction in immobility time comparable to imipramine | 100-300 mcg/kg |
| Fear conditioning (rat) | Accelerating the extinction of conditioned fear | 300 mcg/kg |
| Object recognition test (rat) | Improved 24-hour recognition memory | 300 mcg/kg |
Genomic studies
Transcriptomic analyses have shown that Selank modulates the expression ofmore than 50 genesin the rat hippocampus, including genes involved in:
- GABAergic and glutamatergic transmission
- Monoamine metabolism
- Neurotrophic signaling pathways (BDNF, NGF)
- The response to oxidative stress
Pharmacological profile
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular mass | 751.9 Da |
| Route of administration under consideration | Intranasal primarily |
| Half-life (with PGP sequence) | Several minutes (vs. seconds for the tuftsin) |
| Intranasal bioavailability | Documented but not precisely quantified |
| BHE Passage | Yes (demonstrated by autoradiography) |
Selank vs Semax
| Characteristic | Selank | Semax |
|---|---|---|
| Peptide origin | Tuftsin (immunopeptide) | ACTH 4-10 (neurohormone) |
| Main profile | Anxiolytic + nootropic | Nootropic + neuroprotective |
| GABA system | Strong modulation | Low modulation |
| BDNF | Hippocampal enlargement | Increased cortex and hippocampus |
| Immunomodulation | Forte (tuftsin heritage) | Moderate |
| Administrative route | Intranasal | Intranasal |
Selank and Semax are often studied in combination in Russian research protocols, their mechanisms being complementary (GABAergic vs dopaminergic/BDNF).
Applications in laboratory research
In a scientific research context, Selank is studied for:
- Models of anxiety and chronic stress (cross maze, Vogel test)
- Research on synaptic plasticity and neurotrophic factors
- Studies of non-benzodiazepine GABAergic modulation
- Investigation of neuro-immune links
- Models of fear memory extinction
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