The neuroprotective effects of Semax in conditions of MPTP-induced lesions of the brain dopaminergic system.
Levitskaya. N G NG; Sebentsova. E A EA; Andreeva. L A LA; Alfeeva. L Yu LY; Kamenskii. A A AA; Myasoedov. N F NF
Key Findings
- MPTP toxin lowered activity and raised anxiety in rats, mimicking dopamine loss.
- Daily intranasal Semax at 0.2â¯mg/kg lessened these behavioral deficits.
- The protective effect is thought to involve dopamine system modulation and neurotrophic actions.
Practical Outcomes
- Semax shows promise as a neuroprotective agent for dopamine health, but the evidence is limited to animals. Biohackers could experiment with lowâdose intranasal Semax, using humanâequivalent dosing (â0.02â0.03â¯mg/kg) and tracking mood, movement, and safety, while recognizing that clinical data are lacking.
Summary
In a rat study, giving the peptide Semax through the nose each day reduced the movement problems and anxiety caused by a toxin that damages dopamine brain cells, hinting it might protect the brainâs dopamine system.
Abstract
This report describes studies cf the effects of the ACTH(4-10) analog Semax (MEHFPGP) on the behavior of white rats with lesions to the brain dopaminergic system induced by the neurotoxin MPTP. Neurotoxin was given as single i.p. doses of 25 mg/kg. Neurotoxin injections were shown to decrease movement activity and increase anxiety in the animals. Daily intranasal administration of Semax at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg decreased the severity of MPTP-induced behavioral disturbances. The protective activity of Semax in MPTP-induced lesions of the brain dopaminergic system may be associated with both its modulating effect on the dopaminergic system and the neurotrophic action of the peptide.
Study Information
pubmed
2004
10.1023/b:neab.0000018752.59465.28