Selank

Abstract: Clinical studies have shown the similarity of the spectrum of physiological effects of Selank and classical benzodiazepines, such as diazepam and phenazepam. These data suggest that there is a similar basis of their mechanism of action. To test this hypothesis we studied the effect of Selank and GABA on the expression of genes involved in the neuroreсeption and neurotransmission. We analyzed the expression of 84 genes involved in neuroreсeption (e.g., major subunit of the GABA receptor, transporters, ion channels, dopamine and serotonin receptors) in the frontal cortex of rats 1 and 3 hours after the administration of Selank or GABA (300 μg/kg) using real-time PCR method. We found significant changes in the expression of 45 genes 1 hour after the administration of the compounds. Three hours after Selank or GABA administration, 22 genes changed their expression. We found positive correlation between the changes in genes expression within 1 hour after administration of Selank or GABA. Our results showed that Selank caused a number of alterations in the expression of genes involved in neuroreсeption. The data obtained indicate that Selank is characterized by its complex effects on nerve cells, and one of its possible molecular mechanisms is associated with allosteric modulation of the GABAergic system.

Abstract: Sixty-two patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and neurasthenia were studied. The effect of selank (30 patients) was compared to that of medazepam (32 patients). Patient's state was assessed with psychometric scales (Hamilton, Zung, CGI). Enkephalin activity in the blood serum was measured as well. The anxiolytic effects of both drugs were similar but selank had also antiasthenic and psychostimulant effects. The clinical-biological study revealed that patients with GAD and neurasthenia had the decreased level of tau(1/2) leu-enkephalin which was correlated with disease duration, severity of symptoms related to anxiety and asthenia and autonomic disorders. The increase of this parameter and stronger positive correlations with anxiety level were observed during the treatment with selank mostly in patients with GAD.

Abstract: The actions of the synthetic heptapeptide preparation Selank on learning and memory processes in rats with initially low levels of learning ability were compared with those in normal rats, using a method based on acquisition of a conditioned active avoidance reflex, with repeated administration of peptide 15 min before the start of training sessions for four days. The effects of Selank (300 μg/kg) were compared with the effects of the nootrope piracetam (400 mg/kg). These experiments showed that Selank significantly activated the learning process in rats with initially poor learning ability, with effects apparent after first dose on training day 1. The effect progressively increased on repeated administration of Selank: the total number of correct solutions increased and the number of errors decreased (p < 0.05). The maximum optimizing activity of Selank on learning in normal rats was seen on day 3 of repeated administration and training, i.e., after formation of the initial consolidation phase. The dynamic features of the development of the activating action of Selank and piracetam were described. Comparison of the results obtained here with data on the anti-anxiety actions of Selank suggested potential for its use in optimizing mnestic functions in conditions of elevated emotional tension.