Study summary · research use only
Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission
Plain-language summary
Paraphrased from the published abstract below — not a verdict on whether anything works.
In this rat study, expression of 84 genes involved in neurotransmission (including GABA receptor subunits, transporters, ion channels, and dopamine and serotonin receptors) was measured in frontal cortex by real-time PCR after administration of Selank or GABA (300 μg/kg). Significant changes in expression of 45 genes were found 1 h after administration of the compounds, and 3 h after administration, 22 genes showed altered expression. A positive correlation was found between the expression changes seen 1 h after Selank administration and those seen 1 h after GABA administration. The authors describe Selank as producing a range of alterations in expression of genes involved in neurotransmission and suggest one possible mechanism involves allosteric modulation of the GABAergic system.
Abstract
Clinical studies have shown the similarity of the spectrum of physiological effects of Selank and classical benzodiazepines, such as diazepam and phenazepam. These data suggest that there is a similar basis of their mechanism of action. To test this hypothesis we studied the effect of Selank and GABA on the expression of genes involved in neurotransmission. We analyzed the expression of 84 genes involved in neurotransmission (e.g., major subunit of the GABA receptor, transporters, ion channels, dopamine, and serotonin receptors) in the frontal cortex of rats 1 and 3 h after the administration of Selank or GABA (300 μg/kg) using real-time PCR method. We found significant changes in the expression of 45 genes 1 h after the administration of the compounds. Three hours after Selank or GABA administration, 22 genes changed their expression. We found positive correlation between the changes in genes expression within 1 h after administration of Selank or GABA. Our results showed that Selank caused a number of alterations in the expression of genes involved in neurotransmission. The data obtained indicate that Selank is characterized by its complex effects on nerve cells, and one of its possible molecular mechanisms is associated with allosteric modulation of the GABAergic system.
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