Selank is a synthetic hexapeptide analogue of the endogenous immunomodulatory peptide Tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), with the addition of a Pro-Gly-Pro sequence that confers increased metabolic stability. It was developed as a research tool for investigating anxiolytic and nootropic mechanisms without the side-effect profile associated with classical anxiolytic agents.
Preclinical studies have characterised its effects on the GABAergic system, including modulation of GABA-A receptor sensitivity and serotonin transport in synaptosomal preparations. Research has also explored Selank’s influence on BDNF expression, enkephalin degradation inhibition, and neurotrophin signalling in neural tissue models.
In vivo animal studies have investigated Selank in fear conditioning paradigms, elevated plus-maze anxiety models, and exploratory behaviour assays, with results suggesting anxiolytic effects without significant sedation or motor impairment. Unlike benzodiazepine class compounds, preclinical research with Selank indicates a lack of significant dependence-related outcomes, positioning it as a valuable research tool for characterising alternative GABAergic and serotonergic anxiolytic pathways.
Format: Lyophilised powder | Purity: ≥99% by HPLC | For Research Use Only
