Selank modulation of GABAergic tone and stress-related behaviour

Overview

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from the endogenous immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin. This research area investigates its anxiolytic and cognition-related signalling in preclinical models and early clinical settings. In animal models, studies report anxiolytic-like effects in tests such as the elevated plus maze, with a profile that research suggests is comparable to benzodiazepines but without the sedation and motor impairment typically observed with those compounds.

Mechanistic work in cell culture reports that Selank alters expression of genes involved in GABAergic neurotransmission, indicating indirect GABAergic modulation rather than direct benzodiazepine-site binding. Other studies report modulation of monoaminergic systems, including changes in serotonin metabolism in rodents, and upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus following intranasal administration. A frequently cited hypothesis is that Selank inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes, prolonging enkephalin half-life. This summary describes published preclinical and early clinical science only.