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Product description
Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences in cooperation with the Institute of Pharmacology. W.W. Zakusowa. The peptide is a modified analogue of naturally occurring tuftsin - a tetrapeptide fragment (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) of the heavy chain of human immunoglobulin G (IgG).
Like Semax, Selank has been modified with the addition of the C-terminal tripeptide Pro-Gly-Pro (PGP), which increases metabolic stability and prolongs the duration of action. While native tuftsin has mainly immunomodulatory functions, the modified Selank analogue also exhibits pronounced anxiolytic and nootropic properties.
In Russia, Selank is a registered drug used as an anxiolytic and adaptogen. The peptide is available in the form of an intranasal solution (0.15%) and has effects comparable to benzodiazepines, but without their typical side effects (sedation, memory disorders, addiction).
The mechanism of action of Selank is multidirectional and includes modulation of the GABAergic system, influence on monoamine neurotransmitters and immunomodulatory effects:
GABA_A receptor modulation – Selank acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA_A receptors, increasing [³H]GABA binding in a concentration-dependent manner. This mechanism is similar to the action of classic benzodiazepines, but Selank does not bind to the same sites as diazepam - it can block the modulatory effects of diazepam and olanzapine, which suggests partial overlap, but not identity of the binding sites.
Effects on the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems – Selank normalizes serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, which may contribute to its antidepressant and mood-stabilizing effects. Studies have shown activation of the expression of the Drd5 gene (dopamine D5 receptor) only by Selank, which may be related to learning and memory processes.
Boost BDNF – Like Semax, Selank increases the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports neuroplasticity and neural regeneration.
Modulation of the enkephalinergic system – Selank inhibits enzymes that degrade enkephalins (endogenous opioid peptides), which increases their level and may contribute to anti-anxiety effects and mood improvement. In clinical trials, decreased levels of tau(1/2) leu-enkephalin were observed in patients with GAD and neurasthenia, which increased during treatment with Selank.
Immunomodulatory effect – As a tuftsin analogue, Selank retains immunomodulatory properties, influencing the gene expression of chemokines, cytokines and their receptors. The peptide inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) and may support the immune response.
Regulation of GABAergic gene expression – Transcriptomic studies have shown that Selank affects the expression of genes encoding GABA receptor subunits, GABA transporters and ion channels related to GABAergic neurotransmission. After Selank administration, activation of Slc6a13 (GAT-2 transporter) expression was observed, suggesting an alternative pathway of action on the peripheral distribution of GABA.
Selank is the subject of clinical and preclinical research, mainly in Russia, in the fields of anxiety disorders, cognitive functions and immunomodulation.
Research in anxiety disorders
The pivotal clinical trial by Zozuli et al. (2008) compared Selank with medazepam (a benzodiazepine) in 62 patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and neurasthenia. The results showed:
Studies on animal models of anxiety
In studies on inbred Balb/c mice (genetically high level of anxiety, "passive" type of stress reaction) and C57BL/6 (low level of anxiety, "active" type), Selank was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 200-3000 µg/kg prevented the manifestations of anxiety in the Balb/c strain, without changing the behavior in C57BL/6. The effect was comparable to that of low doses of benzodiazepines, but without the inhibitory effect on behavior even at high doses.
Research under conditions of chronic stress
The study by Kasian et al. (2017) assessed the effects of Selank and diazepam in rats under chronic unpredictable mild stress (UCMS) using the elevated plus maze test. The results showed:
Nootropic research
Selank has nootropic effects, improving learning and memory processes. In studies on rats, the peptide increased cognitive motivation and the number of conditioned avoidance responses. The mechanism includes effects on the noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems (D5 receptor).
Immunological tests
Due to its origin from tuftsin, Selank is being tested for its immunomodulatory effects. Studies have shown that the peptide (and its fragments, including Gly-Pro) affects the expression of genes for chemokines, cytokines and their receptors in the spleen of mice. Gly-Pro has been proposed as a minimal fragment of Selank with antiviral activity (pharmacophore).
Molecular mechanism studies
Transcriptomic analysis in the IMR-32 neuroblastoma line compared the effects of Selank, GABA, and olanzapine on the expression of 84 genes related to the GABAergic system and neurotransmission. The results confirmed that the molecular mechanism of Selank is related to the GABAergic system, although it is not identical to the action of GABA or olanzapine.
Selank represents a new approach to the pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders - a regulatory peptide with a mechanism of action similar to benzodiazepines, but without their key drawbacks: sedation, memory disorders, tolerance and addiction.
Comparison with classic anxiolytics:
Selank and Semax are often compared as the two main Russian neurotropic peptides:
In research practice, both peptides are sometimes used together to obtain complementary effects on cognitive function and mood regulation.
Selank has demonstrated an exceptionally favorable safety profile in published studies:
Key security features:
Reported side effects (rare and mild):
Potential interactions:
As with Semax, most data comes from Russian studies, and international validation and long-term safety data are limited.
