Description Selank is a synthetic derivative of the tetrapeptide tuftsin that contains a proline-glycine-proline sequence at the C-terminus and has anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory activities. It increases the amplitude and discharge rate of inhibitory postsynaptic currents of neurons in the rat hippocampal CA1 region when used at a concentration of 1 μM. And the level of affective responses and the number of erroneous escape attempts in rats in an acute stress situation, increases orientational-investigative responses of rats in an unfamiliar situation, and reduces the time mice spend immobile in the forced swim test. Also locomotor activity of high-anxiety Balb/c, but not C57Bl/6, mice in the open field test. Selank (0.01 mg/kg) decreases verticalization induced by apomorphine in mice. It also decreases expression of the inflammation-related genes Il2rg and Xcr1 in mouse spleen after 90 minutes when administered at a dose of 100 μg/kg.
Uses
Selank peptide has pronounced anxiolytic activity and acts as a stable neuropsychotropic, antidepressant, and antistress drug that relieves aggression and fear reaction in different animal species. It is often prescribed for its anxiolytic properties, immune improvement, gastric protection, and with opioid and alcohol withdrawal/ dependence. It also has a nootropic action, which positively influences the formation of memory and learning processes, and marked immunomodulatory activity.
Mechanism of action It is known that the classical benzodiazepines act via gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptors. They enhance the GABA effect by allosteric modulation, which increases the frequency of opening of channels for chlorine ions. The Selank action mechanism may be related to its ability to affect the performance of the GABAergic system.
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
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.
Selank, 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.
Selank has been found to produce antidepressant-like effects in animal models of depression and anhedonia.
Clinical trials
In clinical trials, the drug has shown to provide a sustained nootropic and anxiolytic effect which is useful for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Selank has an advantage over traditional anxiety treatments, such as benzodiazepines, as it has no sedating or negative cognitive side effects and no associated addiction or withdrawal problems.
Selank is closely related to another nootropic drug, Semax, also developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Russia. This drug is currently available in Russian and Ukrainian pharmacies.
As with all lyophilized peptides, it needs refrigeration to remain stable within sterile water solutions, such as bacteriostatic water concentrations.
More Introduction:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selank
