This research-grade peptide is supplied exclusively for laboratory and experimental use. Selank is studied in research models exploring stress regulation, cognitive signaling, and neuroimmune communication. It is commonly examined in experimental systems focused on emotional balance, attention-related pathways, and adaptive neural responses.
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is an analog of tuftsin, a natural immunomodulatory tetrapeptide derived from the heavy chain of human immunoglobulin G. Selank was created to combine anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), nootropic (cognitive-enhancing), and immunomodulatory properties. It is primarily used in Russia and Ukraine for treating generalized anxiety disorders, neurasthenia, and cognitive impairments. Unlike traditional anxiolytics like benzodiazepines, Selank reportedly lacks sedative effects, addiction potential, or withdrawal symptoms. It is administered intranasally or intravenously, often as a lyophilized powder reconstituted in sterile water, requiring refrigeration for stability.
Chemical Structure
Selank's sequence is Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro (TKPRPGP), a seven-amino-acid chain. The first four residues (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) mimic tuftsin, extended by Pro-Gly-Pro to enhance metabolic stability and prolong action.
Mechanism of Action (Molecular Level)
At the molecular level, Selank acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA_A receptors, enhancing their affinity for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. This modulation inhibits central nervous system excitability, contributing to anxiolytic effects without the side effects of benzodiazepines.
Selank alters gene expression in brain regions like the frontal cortex. In rat models, intranasal administration (300 μg/kg) changes expression of 45 neurotransmission-related genes, with overlaps to GABA's effects. Key alterations include:
- Downregulation of GABA receptor subunits like Gabre (ε, ~20-fold at 1 hour) and Gabrq (θ, ~20-fold at 1 hour), reducing inhibitory tone.
- Upregulation of others like Gabrb3 (β3, 1.58-fold) and Gabrg3 (γ3, 1.29-fold), enhancing receptor function.
Modulation of dopamine receptors (Drd1a, Drd2, Drd3) was upregulated at 1 hour, and serotonin receptors (Htr3a, Htr1b).
- Downregulation of GABA transporters (Slc32a1, Slc6a1, Slc6a11), prolonging GABA availability.
- Dramatic changes in orexin precursor (Hcrt, ~25-fold downregulation at 1 hour, 128-fold upregulation at 3 hours), aiding sleep-wake regulation.
- Selank elevates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus, promoting neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive function. It modulates monoamine neurotransmitters: enhancing serotonin metabolism (influencing mood, sleep, and appetite) and dopamine release (improving focus and reward).
- As a tuftsin analog, it stimulates interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon production, balancing T helper cell cytokines for immunomodulation. Enhance the phagocytic function of macrophages.
- Selank inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes, such as carboxypeptidase H, thereby extending the effects of endogenous peptides. It maintains cortisol levels, reducing stress responses.
Pharmacological Effects and Uses
Selank exhibits anxiolytic, antidepressant, and nootropic effects in animal and human studies. It reduces anxiety and asthenia in patients with generalized anxiety disorders, improving emotional stability and cognitive performance.
Nootropic benefits include enhanced memory, concentration, learning, and mental endurance via BDNF upregulation and neural plasticity. It protects against alcohol-induced cognitive deficits by regulating BDNF in the hippocampus and frontal cortex.
Selank, as a tuftsin analog, has neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties that could theoretically benefit neurodegenerative conditions like ALS, Parkinson’s Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis, which involve motor neuron degeneration, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Comparative research context:
For a broader comparison of neuropeptide research compounds, including Selank, Semax, and Dihexa, see:
→ Semax vs Selank vs Dihexa – Key research differences
Further research context
For a detailed research-focused overview of Selank, including its molecular structure, neuroregulatory signaling mechanisms, and role in experimental neuroimmune models, see:
→ What is Selank? – A Regulatory Neuropeptide in Experimental Research
Product Description
Source: PubChem
Este item é fornecido exclusivamente para fins de investigação.
Todas as informações fornecidas pela PRG destinam-se apenas a fins educativos e informativos.
Para manter a fiabilidade dos resultados laboratoriais, o armazenamento correto dos peptídeos é essencial. Condições adequadas ajudam a preservar a estabilidade dos peptídeos durante anos, protegendo-os contra contaminação, oxidação e degradação.
Embora alguns peptídeos sejam mais sensíveis do que outros, seguir estas boas práticas prolongará significativamente a vida útil e a integridade estrutural.
Os peptídeos podem ser comprometidos pela exposição à humidade e ao ar, especialmente após a remoção do congelador.
Os peptídeos em solução têm uma vida útil muito mais curta do que na forma liofilizada e são mais suscetíveis à degradação bacteriana.
Selecionar recipientes limpos, intactos, quimicamente resistentes e adequados ao volume da amostra.
Peptídeos enviados em frascos de plástico podem ser transferidos para vidro para armazenamento a longo prazo, se desejado.
