Selank is a synthetic peptide developed as an anxiolytic and nootropic agent, with effects similar to classical benzodiazepines but a distinct molecular profile. Research has explored its mechanisms of action, physiological effects, and potential applications in stress, anxiety, and cognitive impairment.
Selank acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA receptors, enhancing [3H]GABA binding in a concentration-dependent and subtype-selective manner[1]. It increases the number of specific GABA binding sites on neuronal membranes without altering receptor affinity, indicating both direct receptor modulation and initiation of broader cellular regulatory mechanisms[2].
In animal models, Selank administration leads to significant changes in the expression of genes involved in GABAergic neurotransmission, with effects observed as early as one hour post-administration. These changes are similar to those seen with GABA itself, supporting a shared mechanism of action[3].
In neuroblastoma cell cultures, Selank alone did not alter mRNA levels of GABAergic genes. However, when combined with GABA, Selank suppressed GABA-induced gene expression changes, and when combined with olanzapine, it enhanced gene expression alterations compared to olanzapine alone[4].
Anxiolytic Effects
Selank demonstrates pronounced anxiolytic effects in studies, often matching the effectiveness of benzodiazepines like diazepam and phenazepam in reducing anxiety symptoms[5].
Clinical research shows Selank provided significant anxiety reduction and mild cognitive benefits, with effects lasting up to a week and a positive impact on quality of life[5].
In animal models, Selank alone was most effective at reducing anxiety induced by stressors, while its combination with diazepam was especially effective under chronic stress conditions[6].
Cognitive and Neuroprotective Effects
Selank improves cognitive performance, including memory and learning, in animal models. It prevents memory and attention deficits caused by chronic alcohol exposure and restores cognitive processes impaired by early-life catecholaminergic system damage[7].
Selank also prevents ethanol-induced increases in BDNF levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, indicating that its cognitive function and neuroprotective effects are linked to the regulation of BDNF, a key neurotrophin involved in neuronal survival and plasticity[7].
Immunomodulatory and Antiviral Properties
Selank has demonstrated significant antiviral activity in both in vitro and in vivo models against influenza virus strains (H3N2, H5N1) and herpes simplex viruses (types 1 and 2). Its most pronounced effect is seen when used preventively, where it can completely suppress viral replication and increase survival rates in animal models[8].
Minimal fragments of Selank, such as Gly-Pro, also retain antiviral activity, suggesting that specific peptide sequences are responsible for these effects[9].
Selank and its fragments induce significant changes in the expression of genes related to chemokines, cytokines, and their receptors in immune tissues. This modulation occurs within hours and may underlie its immunomodulatory and antiviral actions[9].
References
- Vyunova, T., Andreeva, L., Shevchenko, K., & Myasoedov, N. (2018). Peptide-based Anxiolytics: The Molecular Aspects of Heptapeptide Selank Biological Activity.. Protein and peptide letters, 25 10, 914-923 . https://doi.org/10.2174/0929866525666180925144642.
- V’yunova, T., Andreeva, L., Shevchenko, K., Shevchenko, V., & Myasoedov, N. (2014). Peptide regulation of specific ligand-receptor interactions of GABA with the plasma membranes of nerve cells. Neurochemical Journal, 8, 259 – 264. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1819712414040114.
- Volkova, A., Shadrina, M., Kolomin, T., Andreeva, L., Limborska, S., Myasoedov, N., & Slominsky, P. (2016). Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2016.00031.
- Filatova, E., Kasian, A., Kolomin, T., Rybalkina, E., Alieva, A., Andreeva, L., Limborska, S., Myasoedov, N., Pavlova, G., Slominsky, P., & Shadrina, M. (2017). GABA, Selank, and Olanzapine Affect the Expression of Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission in IMR-32 Cells. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2017.00089.
- Medvedev, V., Tereshchenko, O., Israelian, A., Chobanu, I., Kost, N., Sokolov, O., & Miasoedov, N. (2014). [A comparison of the anxiolytic effect and tolerability of selank and phenazepam in the treatment of anxiety disorders].. Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova, 114 7, 17-22 .
- Kasian, A., Kolomin, T., Andreeva, L., Bondarenko, E., Myasoedov, N., Slominsky, P., & Shadrina, M. (2017). Peptide Selank Enhances the Effect of Diazepam in Reducing Anxiety in Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Conditions in Rats. Behavioural Neurology, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/5091027.
- Kolik, L., Nadorova, A., Antipova, T., Kruglov, S., Kudrin, V., & Durnev, A. (2019). Selank, Peptide Analogue of Tuftsin, Protects Against Ethanol-Induced Memory Impairment by Regulating of BDNF Content in the Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex in Rats. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 167, 641 – 644. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10517-019-04588-9.
- Fi, E., Uchakin, P., Uchakina, O., Mezentseva, M., La, A., & Nf, M. (2009). [Antiviral activity of immunomodulator Selank in experimental influenza infection].. Voprosy virusologii, 54 5, 19-24.
- Kolomin, T., Mikhalskaia, P., & Sedelnikova, A. (2023). Changes in Expression of Chemokines, Cytokines and their Receptors under the Action of Selank and its Fragments. Journal of Clinical Physiology and Pathology. https://doi.org/10.59315/jiscpp.2023-2-2.16-18.
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