Study wrapper · #624
Selank, Peptide Analogue of Tuftsin, Protects Against Ethanol-Induced Memory Impairment by Regulating of BDNF Content in the Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex in Rats.
Editor's note
In outbred rats given 10% ethanol as their only fluid for 30 weeks, researchers reported that Selank, a synthetic tuftsin-analog peptide, produced a cognitive-stimulating effect in older animals and reduced ethanol-withdrawal-related memory and attention disturbances in an object-recognition test. Ex vivo, Selank counteracted an ethanol-induced rise in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus and frontal cortex, linking its effect to neurotrophin signaling. The findings fit Selank's described neuroactive profile. This is a single preclinical model with a behavioral surrogate and a biochemical marker, and BDNF changes are mechanistic rather than clinical. These are preclinical findings; human data are needed before any clinical conclusions can be drawn.
Plain-language abstract
Researchers studied Selank, a synthetic peptide, in rats that drank 10% alcohol as their only fluid for 30 weeks. Using a memory test based on recognizing objects, they found Selank improved memory in older rats and reduced the memory and attention problems that appeared during alcohol withdrawal. Looking at brain tissue, they found Selank counteracted an alcohol-related change in a brain growth factor called BDNF in memory- and thinking-related regions, suggesting this is part of how Selank works. The authors conclude Selank had positive effects on alcohol-related memory problems in aging rats. The abstract reports no adverse events. These are preclinical findings in rats; human studies would be needed before drawing any clinical conclusions.