Selank
$70.00
Synthetic Heptapeptide · Tuftsin Analog with Pro-Gly-Pro Extension · Anxiolytic & Immunomodulatory Sequence
Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic, metabolic-stabilized heptapeptide derived from the natural immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), appended at the C-terminus with a Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide extension. Engineered in the 1990s at the Institute of Molecular Genetics (Russian Academy of Sciences), the addition of the tripeptide tail inhibits peptidase degradation, markedly extending its central bioavailability compared to native tuftsin. Selank exhibits a dual therapeutic profile: it acts on the central nervous system as a non-sedating anxiolytic and nootropic while retaining peripheral immunomodulatory signaling. Its central mechanisms involve allosteric modulation of GABAA receptors, regulation of enkephalin-degrading enzymes, elevation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) expression in hippocampal regions, and modulation of serotonergic transmission. While systemic plasma clearance occurs within minutes (~few minutes), intranasal pharmacokinetic studies in rodents confirm rapid central nervous system distribution and sustained neurological effects lasting several hours.
Supplied at 11mg
Description
Overview
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the natural immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) extended with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide. Developed in the 1990s at the Institute of Molecular Genetics, this extension protects the peptide core from enzymatic breakdown, significantly increasing its central bioactivity relative to native tuftsin.
Selank functions as a non-sedating anxiolytic and nootropic while retaining immunomodulatory properties. Its primary mechanisms involve modulating GABAA receptor affinity, inhibiting enkephalin-degrading enzymes, upregulating BDNF in the hippocampus, and balancing central serotonergic neurotransmission.
Key Technical Specifications
| Sequence | Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro |
|---|---|
| One-Letter Code | TKPRPGP |
| Molecular Formula | C₃₃H₅₇N₁₁O₉ |
| Molecular Weight | 751.86 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 129954-34-3 |
| Half-Life Profile | ~Few minutes (plasma); Sustained CNS activity (several hours intranasally) |
| Solubility | Bacteriostatic Water / Sterile Water / Aqueous Buffers |
| Primary Class | Synthetic Tuftsin Analog / Anxiolytic Heptapeptide |
Biochemical Mechanism & Pathway Dynamics
1. GABAergic & Enkephalinase Regulation
Selank allosterically modulates GABAA receptors to produce anxiolytic signaling without triggering sedation. Additionally, it inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes, elevating endogenous opioid peptide concentrations.
2. Neurotrophin Expression & Monoamine Balance
- BDNF Expression: Drives rapid mRNA expression of BDNF in hippocampal structures, supporting dendritic arborization and cognitive performance under stress.
- Serotonergic Turnover: Regulates central serotonin (5-HT) and 5-HIAA metabolite kinetics in cortical and hypothalamic regions.
- Tuftsin-Like Activity: Retains immunomodulatory effects by interacting with macrophage and neutrophil surface receptors.
Preclinical Literature: Research by Kozlovskaya, Semenova, and Kost confirmed that Selank rapidly achieves CNS distribution following intranasal administration in rodent models, inducing long-lasting anxiolytic and neuroprotective activity despite rapid systemic clearance.
For laboratory research, educational, and analytical reference only. Strictly not for human or veterinary use.
