Selank

Selank modulates serotonin and BDNF levels in rat hippocampus and exerts anxiolytic effects without sedation^[1]

This preclinical study evaluated selank's neurochemical and behavioral effects in male Wistar rats using an elevated plus maze paradigm for anxiety assessment. Selank evaluated intranasally at 300 ug/kg significantly increased open-arm exploration compared to vehicle-treated controls, an effect quantitatively comparable to diazepam at 1 mg/kg but without accompanying sedation on open-field locomotor activity. Hippocampal microdialysis revealed increases in serotonin turnover (elevated 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio) and BDNF mRNA expression 90 minutes post-administration. The enkephalinase inhibitory activity of selank, confirmed by in vitro assay, was proposed as a contributing mechanism through sustained endogenous enkephalin action.

Last verified: 2026-04-03

Tuftsin and its synthetic analog Selank modulate immune responses and cytokine production in immune cells^[2]

Building on selank's tuftsin-derived origin, this study investigated its immunomodulatory activity in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the THP-1 monocyte cell line. Selank at 1-100 uM concentrations stimulated IL-2 and IFN-gamma production in activated T cells and increased phagocytic activity in monocytes, effects consistent with those of its parent peptide tuftsin. Importantly, selank modulated T-helper cell balance -- reducing IL-4 (Th2) production while enhancing Th1 cytokine output -- suggesting potential relevance to immune regulation research. The authors noted that the Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal extension in selank improved metabolic stability approximately 4-fold compared to tuftsin while preserving immunomodulatory activity.

Last verified: 2026-04-03