PMID-30255741 – Peptide-based Anxiolytics Selank Molecular Mechanisms
Vyunova TV et al., "Peptide-based Anxiolytics: The Molecular Aspects of Heptapeptide Selank Biological Activity," Protein Pept Lett, 2018;25(10):914-923.
Quick Reference
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| PMID | 30255741 |
| DOI | 10.2174/0929866525666180925144642 |
| Year | 2018 |
| Journal | Protein & Peptide Letters |
| Study Type | Narrative Review + Experimental (radioligand binding) |
| Evidence Level | V |
| Sample | Review of preclinical and clinical literature with original radioligand binding data |
| Peptide(s) Studied | Selank |
Key Findings
- Selank functions as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors with subtype-selective, concentration-dependent activity
- Selank can block diazepam's modulatory activity at the GABA-A receptor, indicating a distinct binding site and mechanism of action
- The peptide demonstrates a distinct anxiolytic mechanism compared to benzodiazepines, with fewer side effects such as sedation, tolerance, and dependence
Study Design
Comprehensive narrative review synthesizing preclinical and clinical evidence on Selank's molecular mechanisms of action. Includes original experimental data from radioligand binding assays characterizing Selank's interaction with GABA-A receptor subtypes at varying concentrations.
Limitations
- Narrative review format without systematic search methodology
- Much of the primary evidence base is from Russian-language publications with limited independent replication
- Radioligand binding data is in vitro and may not fully reflect in vivo receptor dynamics
Clinical Relevance
This review establishes a mechanistic rationale for Selank as a novel anxiolytic with advantages over benzodiazepines, including reduced risk of sedation, tolerance, and dependence — supporting its potential as a safer alternative for anxiety management in clinical practice.
Related
#research #narrative-review #evidence-level-V