Selank

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Moscow, based on the immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin with a proline-glycine-proline extension for metabolic stability. It is registered in Russia as an anxiolytic.

Reported actions include modulation of GABA-A receptor expression, inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes leading to increased endogenous enkephalin levels, and altered expression of genes involved in serotonergic and monoamine metabolism. Unlike benzodiazepines, it is not thought to cause sedation, tolerance or withdrawal.

Store the sealed lyophilized vial at 2-8 °C, protected from light; brief exposure to room temperature during shipping is generally tolerated. Refrigerate after reconstitution at 2-8 °C and use within the period supported by stability data for the substance (typically 2-4 weeks). Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles: each cycle increases the risk of aggregation and hydrolysis of the peptide bond. Do not shake the vial; swirl gently and direct the liquid stream against the glass wall rather than at the powder cake.

• Sealed lyophilized vial, stored as supplied
• Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) for reconstitution
• Insulin syringes (29-31G, 0.5 mL / 100 units)
• Reconstitution syringe (1-3 mL, 21-23G needle)
• 70% isopropyl alcohol swabs
• Sharps container for used needles
• Labels and a logbook for batch, date and volume

Russian clinical research reports reductions in generalized anxiety scores comparable to medazepam without sedative effects, along with reported improvements in attention tasks. These studies have largely not been replicated outside Russia and are predominantly small and open-label. Reported adverse effects are limited to nasal irritation with intranasal use.

Wash your hands, then disinfect the vial septum and the injection site with 70% isopropyl alcohol and allow both to air dry. Draw up the intended volume, remove air bubbles and pinch a subcutaneous skin fold. Insert at a 45-90° angle depending on fat thickness, aspiration is not required for subcutaneous administration, and inject slowly. Withdraw the needle, apply light pressure and discard the needle in a sharps container. Rotate injection sites systematically (abdominal quadrants, flanks, thighs) to prevent lipohypertrophy and local irritation.

Peptide research protocols are studied against a background of adequate protein intake (approximately 1.6-2.2 g/kg/day in the training literature), consistent sleep of 7-9 hours, and controlled training load. Sleep deprivation and chronic psychological stress both dampen growth hormone pulsatility and disrupt tissue remodeling, complicating the interpretation of any observed effect. Alcohol, smoking and large caloric deficits are likewise documented modifiers of recovery outcomes.

1. Zozulya A.A. et al. Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of Selank in anxiety disorders. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr, 2008.
2. Kozlovskii I.I. et al. The effect of Selank on learning in rats. Neurosci Behav Physiol, 2003.
3. Volkova A. et al. Selank administration and monoamine metabolism gene expression. Front Pharmacol, 2016.