Selank The 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 peptide Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, consisting of the tetrapeptide tuftsin (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 the GABAergic system allosterically, 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 the regulation 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 the serotonin in 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 of more than 50 genes in 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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