Selank (Russian: Cеланк) is a nootropic, anxiolytic peptide based drug developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Selank is a heptapeptide with the sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro (TKPRPGP). It is a synthetic analogue of human tuftsin.
Pharmacology
Peptide n acetyl selank is a synthetic analogue of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin; as such, it mimics many of its effects. It has been shown to modulate the expression of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and affect the balance of T helper cell cytokines. It has been shown to influence the concentration of monoamine neurotransmitters and induce metabolism of serotonin. Selank has also been found to rapidly elevate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus of rats.
N acetyl selank peptide, as well as a related peptide drug, Semax, have been found to inhibit enzymes involved in the degradation of enkephalins and other endogenous regulatory peptides, and this action may be involved in their effects.It has also been found to affect the activity of carboxypeptidase H and phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride-inhibited carboxypeptidase in rat nervous system tissue.
Also has been found to produce antidepressant-like effects in animal models of depression and anhedonia.
Anxiolytic Effects
Selank peptide has been extensively studied for its anxiolytic properties, demonstrating significant potential in reducing anxiety levels. Clinical trials have shown that Selank can effectively alleviate symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and neurasthenia, with efficacy comparable to benzodiazepine treatments. Selank has also been found to inhibit enkephalin-degrading enzymes, which may contribute to its anxiolytic activity .
Memory and Learning Processes
Research has highlighted Selank’s ability to improve cognitive function, particularly in memory consolidation and learning processes. Studies indicate that Selank improves memory storage processes and increases the stability of memory traces for an extended period. This suggests that the peptide may have long-lasting effects on memory consolidation and retention .
Additionally, Selank has shown promise in restoring cognitive processes that have been impaired due to damage to the cerebral catecholamine system .
Immunomodulatory Effects
Selank demonstrated notable immunomodulatory effects in patients with anxiety-asthenic disorders. The research revealed that Selank had a significant impact on interleukin-6 (IL-6), a key cytokine involved in immune responses.
Research found that Selank altered the balance between T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines in vivo. This shift in the Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio suggests that Selank may influence the overall immune response by modulating the activity of different T helper cell subsets .
Neuroprotection
Selank administration led to significant changes in the mRNA levels of 45 genes related to neurotransmission, similar to the effects observed with GABA administration. This suggests that Selank may act through allosteric modulation of GABA receptors, altering their affinity for GABA and affecting neurotransmission. Selank’s impact on gene expression was not limited to the GABAergic system. It also affected genes related to dopamine and serotonin systems, indicating a broader neuroprotective role .
More Introduction:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selank
