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Other names | Selanc; L-threonyl-L-lysyl-L-prolyl-L-arginyl-L-prolylglycyl-L-Proline |
Routes of administration | Nasal muscosa, IV |
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Formula | C33H57N11O9 |
Molar mass | 751.887 g·mol−1 |
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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.
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]
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).[1] 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.[citation needed]
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.[9]
As with all lyophilized peptides, it needs refrigeration to remain stable within sterile water solutions, such as bacteriostatic water concentrations.