Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide, Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, consisting of the endogenous tetrapeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg, a fragment of the immunoglobulin G heavy chain) extended at the C-terminus by the tripeptide Pro-Gly-Pro. All residues are natural L-amino acids; the proline-rich C-terminal extension was added to slow enzymatic cleavage of the tuftsin core. It is also indexed under the research code TP-7.

Reported molecular work describes two lines of mechanism, both stated at the biochemical and cellular level: inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzyme activity in serum preparations, and altered transcript levels of genes of the GABAergic system, including GABA-A receptor subunits, in rodent brain tissue and in the human neuroblastoma line IMR-32. Chemokine, cytokine and receptor transcript changes have also been reported in cultured and rodent spleen cells.

Cited in neuropeptide biochemistry, peptidase assays, gene-expression profiling in neuronal cell lines and immunopeptide research. Supplied as a lyophilized solid.

Research use only. This material is sold for in-vitro laboratory research and development purposes exclusively. It is not a drug, food, or dietary supplement, has not been evaluated by the FDA, and must not be used in humans or animals.