Selank (10 mg)

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide developed as an analogue of tuftsin, an endogenous immunomodulatory tetrapeptide. To extend its biological stability and functional activity, Selank incorporates the Pro–Gly–Pro (PGP) tripeptide motif at its C-terminus. This modification enhances its resistance to enzymatic degradation, resulting in a compound with greater durability and broader applicability in neurochemical and immunological research.

Initially created in Russia, Selank has been widely studied for its potential to influence neurotransmitter regulation, gene expression, and immune balance. Unlike classical anxiolytics, Selank demonstrates activity in research models without sedative or dependence-inducing effects, making it of particular interest in the study of mood, cognition, and adaptive responses.

Chemical Structure of Selank

1. Sequence: Thr–Lys–Pro–Arg–Pro–Gly–Pro (TKPRPGP)
2. Molecular Formula: C₃₃H₅₇N₁₁O₉
3. Molecular Weight: ~751.9 Da
4. PubChem CID: 11765600

Research Applications and Observed Mechanisms

1. Neurotransmitter Systems: Studies indicate modulation of GABAergic and serotonergic pathways, with effects on receptor gene expression and neurotransmitter turnover.
2. Cognitive and Behavioral Studies: Preclinical and clinical models suggest improvements in learning, memory, and attentional control, with anxiolytic-like outcomes.
3. Immune Regulation: Selank has been observed to adjust cytokine profiles (e.g., IL-6, Th1/Th2 balance), linking neurochemical and immune responses.
4. Neuropeptide Interactions: Evidence points to Selank’s ability to inhibit enkephalin-degrading enzymes, thereby stabilizing endogenous opioid peptides and influencing mood regulation.
5. Neuroprotection: Animal studies demonstrate potential roles in protecting neural tissue during stress or ischemic challenges, with gene expression shifts favoring resilience and recovery.

Citations

1. PubChem Compound Summary for Selank (CID 11765600): sequence TKPRPGP; formula C₃₃H₅₇N₁₁O₉; MW 751.9 Da. Overview of Selank
2. Koroleva SV & Myasoedov NF. “Physiological effects of Selank and its fragments.” Biology Bulletin. 2019;46(3):407–414. Overview of Selank
3. Ashmarin IP, et al. “Development of Selank based on tuftsin: PGP extension and stability.” Regulatory Peptides. 2007;146(1–3):133–139. Overview of Selank
4. PubChem PubChem Data: molecular information C₃₃H₅₇N₁₁O₉. Overview of Selank
5. Syunyakov et al. “Selank in anxiety and cognitive disorders: rapid and slow responders.” Bull Exp Biol Med. 2009;147(6):839–843. PMID: 19947471. Overview of Selank
6. Volkova A, et al. “Selank affects GABAergic neurotransmission gene expression in rat cortex.” Front Pharmacol. 2016;7:31. Overview of Selank
7. Uchakina ON, et al. “Selank modulates IL‑6 and T helper cytokine balance in anxiety‑asthenic patients.” Neurosci Lett. 2012;506(2):147–150. PMID: 22982375. Overview of Selank
8. Semenova TP, et al. “Selank inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes and increases BDNF expression.” Bioorg Khim. 2010;36(4):431–435. PMID: 20550310. Overview of Selank
9. Belkin AV, et al. “Selank reduces anxiety during alcohol withdrawal in rats.” Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2004;104(9):22–26. PMID: 16325211. Overview of Selank
10. Pietriev VN, et al. “Selank’s neuroprotective activity following ischemia.” Bull Exp Biol Med. 2005;139(1):29–32. PMID: 15890842. Overview of Selank