[Opposite Semax influence on conditioning and functional disturbances of avoidance responses in rats].
Inozemtsev. A N AN; Agapitova. A E AE; Bokieva. S B SB; Glazova. N Iu NIu; Levitskaia. N G NG; Kamenskiĭ. A A AA; Miasoedov. N F NF
Key Findings
- Low‑dose Semax sped up learning to avoid foot‑shock in a simple jumping task
- The same dose slowed learning in a more complex shuttle‑box avoidance task
- Semax improved recovery of avoidance behavior after sudden changes in the testing environment
Practical Outcomes
- Semax may have subtle effects on learning and adaptability, but the animal data are inconsistent and don’t directly translate to human dosing. For biohackers, it suggests possible cognitive benefits at very low doses, yet more human research is needed before adopting it into a routine protocol.
Summary
In rats, a tiny dose of the peptide Semax (0.05 mg/kg) helped them learn to avoid a shock faster in one type of test, slowed learning in another test, but also helped them recover their avoidance behavior after the test conditions were changed, supporting its reputation as a brain‑boosting (nootropic) agent, though the results are mixed and from animal studies.
Abstract
Semax effects on formation of active avoidance reaction in rats in different experimental models have been studied. It was shown that intraperitoneal Semax administration at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg accelerated acquisition of one-way active avoidance response when rats were trained to avoid electric foot-shock by jumping on the shelf. When rats were trained in shuttle-box the peptide increased the electroshock threshold value required to provocation of rat moving in experimental box and delayed acquisition of two-way active avoidance response. At the same time Semax stimulated avoidance response restoration in shuttle-box after functional disturbances induced by acute modification of cause-effect and spatial relationships in experimental environment. Data obtained support nootropic properties of Semax.
Study Information
pubmed
2013
10.7868/s0044467713060063