Selank Heptapeptide Shows Long-Term Cognitive and Emotional Benefits in Stressed Monkeys

Neurotic disturbances, characterized by fear, aggression, and impaired memory, significantly impact quality of life and are often challenging to treat effectively. While some neurohormones have shown promise, their effects can be dependent on the type of neurotic disturbance. This study aimed to investigate the role of the anxiolytic heptapeptide Selank in compensating for disturbed psychic and homeostatic functions in a primate model of neurosis, seeking a more robust and long-lasting therapeutic approach.

The study found that intranasal administration of Selank produced long-term beneficial changes in the monkeys' behavior, effectively addressing disturbances caused by neurosis. Specifically, there was a clear elimination of fear and aggression, alongside a notable increase in orientational-explorative activity. Furthermore, the peptide facilitated handling reactions and improved communicational relations among the monkeys. The most significant finding highlighted the peptide's ability to restore cognitive and physiological balance: On the background of Selank administration, there occurred a long compensation of disturbed psychic functions, particularly memory processes, and a restoration of homeostatic parameters (the body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions). Crucially, unlike other neurohormones, Selank's antistressor effects were independent of the specific type of neurotic disturbance, demonstrating a broad and long-term compensatory character.