Chemistry:Selank
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 the 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.[1] It has been shown to influence the concentration of monoamine neurotransmitters[2] and induce metabolism of serotonin.[3][4] Selank has also been found to rapidly elevate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus of rats.[5]
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.[6] It has also been found to affect the activity of carboxypeptidase H and phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride-inhibited carboxypeptidase in rat nervous system tissue.[7]
Selank has been found to produce antidepressant-like effects in animal models of depression and anhedonia.[8]
Clinical trials
In clinical studies, Selank has been investigated for its potential effects on cognitive function and anxiety.[1] It has also been compared with traditional anxiolytic drugs such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates.[9]
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.[10]
As with all lyophilized peptides, it needs refrigeration to remain stable within sterile water solutions, such as bacteriostatic water concentrations.
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "[Immunomodulatory effects of selank in patients with anxiety-asthenic disorders]". Zhurnal Nevrologii I Psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova 108 (5): 71–75. 2008. PMID 18577961.
- ↑ "[Effects of heptapeptide selank on the content of monoamines and their metabolites in the brain of BALB/C and C57Bl/6 mice: a comparative study]". Eksperimental'naia i Klinicheskaia Farmakologiia 71 (5): 8–12. 2008. PMID 19093364.
- ↑ "[Experimental optimization of learning and memory processes by selank]". Eksperimental'naia i Klinicheskaia Farmakologiia 73 (8): 2–5. August 2010. PMID 20919548.
- ↑ "[Comparison of the effects of selank and tuftsin on the metabolism of serotonin in the brain of rats pretreated with PCPA]". Eksperimental'naia i Klinicheskaia Farmakologiia 72 (4): 6–8. 2009. PMID 19803361.
- ↑ "Intranasal administration of the peptide Selank regulates BDNF expression in the rat hippocampus in vivo". Doklady Biological Sciences 421: 241–243. 2008. doi:10.1134/s0012496608040066. PMID 18841804.
- ↑ "Semax and selank inhibit the enkephalin-degrading enzymes from human serum" (in ru). Bioorganicheskaia Khimiia 27 (3): 180–183. 2001. doi:10.1023/A:1011373002885. PMID 11443939.
- ↑ "[Effect of selank on the main carboxypeptidases in the rat nervous tissue]" (in ru). Zhurnal Evoliutsionnoi Biokhimii I Fiziologii 48 (3): 254–257. 2012. PMID 22827026.
- ↑ "[Effects of heptapeptide selank on genetically-based and situation-provoked symptoms of depression in behavior in WAG/Rij and Wistar rats, and in BALB/c mice]" (in ru). Zhurnal Vysshei Nervnoi Deiatelnosti imeni I P Pavlova 58 (2): 226–237. 2008. PMID 18661785.
- ↑ "[Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic selank in the therapy of generalized anxiety disorders and neurasthenia]". Zhurnal Nevrologii I Psikhiatrii Imeni S.S. Korsakova 108 (4): 38–48. 2008. PMID 18454096.
- ↑ "СЕМАКС: лекарственное средство широкого спектра действия эффективный стимулятор нервной системы" (in ru). Institute of Molecular Genetics. Moscow. http://www.img.ras.ru/innov/.
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