Selank

Mechanism (as reported)

Research described Selank as an allosteric modulator affecting [3H]GABA binding, including positive allosteric modulation and non-cumulative/additive patterns when combined with some benzodiazepines; the work also hypothesized/linked these effects to subtype-selective, concentration-dependent allosteric modulation of GABA receptors. (PMIDs: 30255741)

Key findings (each cites a source)

• A review of therapeutic peptides in orthopaedics described neuroactive peptides such as selank (along with semax and dihexa) as enhancing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and HGF/c-Met pathways important to neuroplasticity, while stating there is a current lack of clinical trials. [PMID 41490200]
• In a rat morphine withdrawal model, a study reported that Selank attenuated aversive signs of morphine withdrawal (using a naloxone-precipitated withdrawal paradigm) and increased tactile sensitivity compared with an active control group. [PMID 36322304]
• In rats with ethanol exposure/withdrawal paradigms, research reported that Selank prevented ethanol-induced memory and attention disturbances and was associated with prevention of ethanol-induced increases in BDNF content in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in ex vivo experiments. [PMID 31625062]
• A behavioral study reported that Selank enhanced diazepam-associated anxiolytic effects in unpredictable chronic mild stress conditions in rats, with specific elevated-plus-maze findings describing effects of individual versus combined administration patterns. [PMID 28280289]
• A molecular/ligand-receptor analysis reported that Selank affected [3H]GABA binding as a positive allosteric modulator and described interaction patterns with benzodiazepines that were characterized as non-cumulative and differing from either substance individually, supporting a proposed GABA receptor allosteric mechanism. [PMID 30255741]
• In a rat model of acute alcohol withdrawal (ethanol-preferring animals with prolonged ethanol exposure), a study reported that Selank eliminated anxiety induced by ethanol withdrawal and prevented formation of mechanical allodynia without affecting ethanol consumption in the described experimental setting. [PMID 24913576]
• A study of stress effects reported that chronic foot-shock stress induced specific morphological degenerative changes in rat liver, and that Selank administration reduced the intensity of stress-induced degenerative changes, with dose-dependent restoration of nucleus/cytoplasm ratio in hepatocytes in some groups. [PMID 31243679]
• In a conditioned active avoidance reflex study, research reported that Selank significantly activated learning in rats with initially poor learning ability, with improvements in correct solutions and reductions in errors over repeated administration, and described a comparison with piracetam in terms of time course/dynamics. [PMID 14552529]