NeuropeptidesMelanocortin5 min read
PT-141 (Bremelanotide): The Melanocortin Receptor Agonist in Research
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NeuropeptidesAnxiolysis
Selank: The Anxiolytic Heptapeptide from Russian Research
5 min read
Selank: Origin and Structure
Selank (TKPRPGP) is a synthetic heptapeptide developed as an analogue of the endogenous immunomodulator tuftsin (TKPR) at the Moscow Institute of Molecular Genetics. It has been approved in Russia since 2009 as an anxiolytic under the trade name Selanc.
By extending the natural tuftsin sequence with three proline-glycine-proline residues, Selank gains significantly improved stability against proteolytic enzymes and more reliable biological activity.
Mechanisms of Anxiolytic Action
Selank interacts with the serotonergic system: it modulates the activity of the serotonin transporter gene and influences serotonin reuptake at the transcriptional level. Effects on the GABAergic system have also been documented — the classic target of anxiolytic drugs such as benzodiazepines, but without their sedating or dependency-inducing properties.
A further relevant mechanism is the influence on BDNF levels in the hippocampus. Kasian et al. (2017) showed that Selank can potentiate the efficacy of diazepam under chronic mild stress.
Clinical and Preclinical Data
Russian clinical research on Selank includes studies in generalised anxiety disorder. The compound demonstrated anxiolytic effects without sedating side effects or dependency potential. Vyunova et al. (2018) published a comprehensive review of its biological activity in Protein & Peptide Letters. For Western research laboratories, Selank is available from Studien Peptide as a high-purity compound.