[Experimental optimization of learning and memory processes by selank].
Semenova. T P TP; Kozlovskiĭ. I I II; Zakharova. N M NM; Kozlovskaia. M M MM
Key Findings
- Selank (300 µg/kg) injected after learning increased serotonin metabolism in the hypothalamus and brain stem for up to 2 hours.
- Memory retention was significantly improved, with the memory trace remaining stable for at least 30 days.
- The timing of the injection (during the consolidation phase) was crucial for the observed nootropic effect.
Practical Outcomes
- For biohackers, this suggests that selank could be explored as a post‑learning supplement to enhance long‑term memory, but the evidence is limited to animal models and requires injection. If trying it, the timing (immediately after learning) and a dose roughly equivalent to 300 µg/kg in rats would be the starting point, though human dosing and safety remain untested.
Summary
In rats, a single injection of the peptide selank right after a learning session boosted serotonin activity in the brain and made the memory of that session last much longer—up to a month. The effect was seen when selank was given at a dose of 300 µg per kilogram of body weight.
Abstract
The effect of selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro), which is a synthetic derivative of the endogenous tetrapeptide tuftsin (stable with respect to tissue peptidases), on the learning and memory processes and metabolism of serotonin (5-HT) have been experimentally studied on Wistar rats. The animals were trained with food reward in 30 trials per day. Selank (300 microg/kg) or saline were injected after the 10th trial. Elaboration of conditioned reflex with food reward was continued 30 min later. Retention was tested 24 h, 7 and 30 days after treatment. A single injection of selank activated the metabolism of 5-HT in the hypothalamus and caudal brain stem for 30 min to 2 h. It was established that selank induces an increase in memory trace stability during 30 days. These findings provide direct evidence that selank, when injected during consolidation phase, can enhance memory storage processes. Nootrope activity of the selank is probably caused by its obvious effect on the level of serotonin and its metabolite in the brain.
Study Information
pubmed
2010