Stress & Anxiety Models
Selank has been examined in rodent anxiety paradigms including elevated plus maze and open field testing. Studies have documented anxiolytic-like behavior without observed sedation or motor impairment.
Overview
What is Selank?
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin, developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Moscow. Research has examined its anxiolytic profile in rodent behavioral models, its influence on GABAergic and enkephalinergic signaling, and its immunomodulatory effects on cytokine balance. Studies frequently note anxiolytic activity without the sedation or dependence markers associated with benzodiazepines.
Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is supplied strictly as a reference material for in vitro and preclinical investigation. All characterization data described here is drawn from peer-reviewed literature and laboratory analysis; nothing herein constitutes a claim of clinical effect in humans.
Investigational Scope
Documented Research Areas
The following domains summarize directions explored across published studies and laboratory models. Each reflects observations reported in rodent models, in vitro systems, or the peer-reviewed record.
Tuftsin-Derived Immune Biology
As a tuftsin analogue, Selank has been studied for immunomodulatory activity. Research has examined effects on cytokine balance, interleukin expression, and cellular immune markers in animal and cell-culture models.
GABAergic Gene Expression
Transcriptomic work has documented changes in the expression of genes associated with GABAergic neurotransmission in rat hippocampus following Selank administration, supporting a receptor-level mechanism of action.
Learning & Adaptive Behavior
Research has examined Selank's effects on memory consolidation and adaptive behavior under stress in rodent models, with reported changes in monoamine turnover and BDNF expression.
Proposed Mechanism
Mechanistic Pathway
Mechanistic steps below are hypothesized from in vitro assays and animal-model data reported in the literature. They describe biochemical interactions observed under controlled experimental conditions.
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1
GABA-A Receptor Modulation
Research has documented Selank's ability to modulate GABA-A receptor function, with studies reporting benzodiazepine-like anxiolytic effects in the absence of receptor downregulation or dependence markers in rodent models.
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2
Enkephalin Degradation Inhibition
Selank has been shown to inhibit enkephalin-degrading enzymes in plasma, potentially elevating endogenous opioid peptide levels and contributing to observed stress-modulating effects.
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3
Monoamine Turnover
Studies have examined changes in serotonin and dopamine metabolism in rodent brain tissue following administration, linking the peptide to broader monoaminergic regulation of mood-related behavior.
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4
Cytokine Balance Shift
Immunological research has documented shifts in the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, consistent with the tuftsin lineage of the peptide and its documented effects on immune cell activity.
Technical Data
Molecular Specifications
| Amino Acid Sequence | Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 751.9 g/mol |
| Molecular Formula | C₃₃H₅₇N₉O₉ |
| CAS Number | 129954-34-3 |
| Storage | −20°C long-term, 4°C short-term up to 4 weeks |
References
Selected Literature
The following peer-reviewed references informed the research summaries on this page. Citations are provided for scientific context only.
- Kozlovskaya MM, et al. (2003). Selank and short peptides of the tuftsin family in the regulation of adaptive behavior in stress. Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology, 33(9), 853–860.
- Volkova A, et al. (2016). Selank administration affects the expression of some genes involved in GABAergic neurotransmission. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 7, 31.
- Seredenin SB & Voronin MV. (2009). Neuroreceptor mechanisms of anxiolytic action of selank. Eksperimental'naya i Klinicheskaya Farmakologiya, 72(4), 6–8.
- Inozemtsev AN, et al. (2014). Selank and its synthetic analogues: anxiolytic properties. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 157(1), 52–54.
- Uchakina ON, et al. (2008). Immunomodulatory effects of Selank in anxiety-asthenic disorders. Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii, 108(5), 71–75.
Research Disclaimer
This product is intended strictly for laboratory research purposes only. It is not a drug, food, cosmetic, or dietary supplement and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is not for human or animal consumption. All information presented is derived from published scientific literature and is provided for educational reference only. By purchasing, the buyer affirms they are a qualified researcher or institution and assume full responsibility for the safe and lawful handling of this material.