Selank
Selank peptide , which was developed in Russia, is a short peptide with nootropic and anxiolytic properties. It is a synthetic analogue of naturally occurring Tuftsin, an immunomodulatory peptide that modulates IL-6, T helper cells, monoamine neurotransmitters, and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF). In fact, Selank and Tuftsin are essentially the same except that Selank peptide has an additional four amino acids in its chain that help to improve metabolic stability and half-life.
Selank peptide has been tested in clinical trials as a potential treatment for generalized anxiety disorder.
Selank Peptide Review
Sequence: Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro
Molecular Formula: C33H57N11O9
Molecular Weight: 751.887 g/mol
PubChem CID: 11765600
CAS Number: 129954-34-3
Synonyms: Selanc
Source: PubChem
Selank Effect
Selank Peptide Anxiety Effects Based on Genes Related to GABA Neurotransmitter
According to Dr. Anastasiya Volkova of the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Russia, “numerous clinical studies have shown that Selank has strong antianxiety and neuroprotective effects in the treatment of anxiety. The clinical effects of Selank peptide are similar to those of the classical antianxiety medications such as benzodiazepine, which are allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors and increase the inhibitory action of GABA.” Selank’s effects include reducing anxiety, improving mood, lower stress levels, and positively influencing memory and learning. Like benzodiazepines, low doses of Selank have a sedating effect. Unlike benzodiazepines, Selank peptide does not appear to be habit-forming and does not lead to symptoms of withdrawal or amnesia.
Research in rats shows that of the 84 genes known to be connected to GABA signaling in some way, seven are heavily modulated by Selank peptide and 45 show some change in expression when the peptide is administered. Overall, 52 genes related to GABA signaling are affected by Selank to some degree. These results indicate that Selank can directly influence the expression of genes in nerve cells and that it likely produces effects by changing the affinity of the GABA receptor for GABA. This alteration of receptor affinity likely explains why Selank peptide is synergistic with benzodiazepines and other GABA receptor agonists.
