Introduction to Selank
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide developed from the natural immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg). Engineered by the Institute of Molecular Genetics at the Russian Academy of Sciences, Selank includes an additional Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide extension to improve stability and prolong its half-life in biological systems. This compound has been extensively studied for its nootropic and anxiolytic effects, as well as its immune-modulating properties in preclinical and experimental settings.
Selank is distinct from traditional anxiolytics such as benzodiazepines in that it does not induce sedation, tolerance, or withdrawal, making it a compelling subject for research on generalized anxiety, cognitive impairment, and neuroimmune interactions. It is not approved by the FDA, EMA, or other regulatory agencies and is offered strictly as a research-use-only compound.
Mechanism of Action (Based on Preclinical Research)
Selank’s diverse biological actions are attributed to its multimodal effects on neurotransmitter systems, neurotrophic factors, and immune mediators:
Monoaminergic Modulation: Enhances the metabolism and turnover of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, promoting emotional stability and mental clarity.
BDNF Upregulation: Increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a key regulator of neuroplasticity, memory, and mood.
GABAergic Support: Modulates GABAergic transmission indirectly, promoting calming effects without directly binding to GABA-A receptors.
Enkephalin Preservation: Inhibits degradation of endogenous opioids (enkephalins), supporting mood regulation and stress resilience.
Immunomodulation: Increases anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10 and reduces pro-inflammatory markers like IL-6, with effects linked to its tuftsin-derived sequence.
These combined mechanisms make Selank a subject of ongoing study for neuroimmune regulation, stress adaptation, and cognitive enhancement in both normal and pathological states.
Key Research Areas
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the naturally occurring tetrapeptide tuftsin. It is primarily utilized in non-clinical and preclinical research settings to explore its potential neuromodulatory and immunomodulatory properties. Experimental findings from animal models and in vitro studies have suggested the following areas of interest:
Anxiolytic-Like Activity: Selank has demonstrated potential to modulate stress and anxiety-like behaviors in rodent models without sedative effects, offering a point of comparison to standard reference compounds in anxiolytic assays.
Cognitive Performance Metrics: Research models have shown improved performance in tasks involving memory retention, attention span, and learning, particularly under stress-induced or fatigue conditions.
Monoaminergic Modulation: Studies suggest Selank may influence the regulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine in animal subjects, indicating potential relevance in mood stability research.
Neuroprotection: In oxidative and inflammatory injury models, Selank has exhibited protective effects on neuronal viability and synaptic integrity, offering value for investigations into neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.
Immunomodulatory Properties: Preclinical research indicates a role in modulating cytokine profiles and enhancing phagocytic responses, with applications in immune system regulation under stressor conditions.
Stress Adaptation: Selank has been studied for its interaction with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and endogenous opioid pathways in animal models, indicating potential utility in understanding physiological stress responses.
Disclaimer: Selank is a research peptide not approved for human or veterinary use. All observed effects are derived from in vitro assays and animal models. These findings do not imply safety, efficacy, or suitability for clinical application. This compound is intended for laboratory research purposes only.
Certificate of Analysis
The following technical details outline the properties of Selank 5mg, providing a scientific snapshot of the peptide.
Property | Description |
---|---|
Chemical Sequence | Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro |
CAS Number | 129954-34-3 |
Molecular Formula | C33H57N11O9 |
Molecular Weight | 751.89 g/mol |
Appearance | White Lyophilized Powder |
Research Use Only
Selank 5mg is provided exclusively for laboratory research and in vitro use. It is not intended for human consumption, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic use, or veterinary application. Misuse may result in regulatory violations or adverse health consequences. Always store and handle according to laboratory safety standards.