Selank
Also known as Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro
A synthetic heptapeptide built on tuftsin, an immunomodulatory fragment of immunoglobulin G. It is studied for anxiolytic-like activity, effects on enkephalin metabolism, and changes in GABAergic and immune-related gene expression.
Approved drug substance
Size
2 options- Catalog no.
- SK5
- Specification
- 5mg*10vials
- Per kit
- 10 vials
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Buyers must be 21 or older.
Overview
Selank was developed by Russian research institutes and is registered in Russia as an anxiolytic. Its sequence, Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, extends tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), a fragment of immunoglobulin G, with the Pro-Gly-Pro motif also used in Semax. Published research includes rodent models of anxiety, stress, and memory; in vitro studies of enkephalin-degrading enzymes; gene-expression studies; and small clinical studies in generalized anxiety disorder. Most of this work comes from Russian groups, and large independent trials have not been published.
Class: Synthetic tuftsin-analogue heptapeptide
Mechanism of action
How the compound acts, as described in the literature.
Inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes in human plasma in vitro (IC50 about 15 μM), proposed as a way of prolonging the activity of endogenous enkephalins (Zozulya 2001).
In rat frontal cortex, Selank altered expression of dozens of neurotransmission genes in a pattern correlated with the effects of GABA, leading authors to propose allosteric modulation of GABAergic signaling.
Retains tuftsin-related immunomodulatory activity: studies in mice and in patients reported changes in inflammation-related gene expression and cytokine profiles.
Rodent studies have also reported changes in hippocampal and prefrontal BDNF content and in brain serotonin metabolism, although these findings come from a small number of groups.
Published research
Selected studies, each linked to its PubMed record. Summaries describe what the studies reported.
2008
Comparative clinical trial
PMID 18454096[Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic selank in the therapy of generalized anxiety disorders and neurasthenia].
Zozulia AA, et al. · Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova
In 62 patients with generalized anxiety disorder or neurasthenia, Selank and medazepam showed similar anxiolytic effects; Selank was also reported to have antiasthenic effects and to lengthen serum leu-enkephalin half-life.
2001
In vitro (human plasma)
PMID 11550013The inhibitory effect of Selank on enkephalin-degrading enzymes as a possible mechanism of its anxiolytic activity.
Zozulya AA, et al. · Bull Exp Biol Med
Patients with generalized anxiety disorder showed shortened enkephalin half-life in blood. Selank dose-dependently inhibited plasma enkephalin hydrolysis in vitro and was more potent than the peptidase inhibitors bacitracin and puromycin.
2016
Rodent study
PMID 26924987Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission.
Volkova A, et al. · Front Pharmacol
Real-time PCR of 84 neurotransmission genes in rat frontal cortex showed 45 genes changed one hour after Selank or GABA, with positively correlated expression changes between the two compounds.
Evidence & safety
What the research does not show, and the adverse events and regulatory status it reports.
Clinical evidence consists of small studies from Russian groups, mostly in Russian-language journals, and mechanistic findings have not been independently replicated. Adverse-event reporting is sparse, and in rats Selank enhanced the anxiolytic effect of diazepam, suggesting a possible interaction with benzodiazepines. Selank is registered in Russia but is not approved by the FDA or EMA.
Specifications
All sizes, exactly as catalogued.
| Catalog no. | Product | Specification | Vials per kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| SK5 | Selank | 5mg*10vials | 10 |
| SK10 | Selank | 10mg*10vials | 10 |
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Research summaries are provided for educational purposes and do not describe this product’s use.