Selank and Semax Peptides Alter Brain Connectivity in Healthy Adults

The brain's functional connectivity (FC) — how different regions communicate — is crucial for mental health and cognitive function. Dysregulation in these networks is implicated in conditions like anxiety disorders and cognitive impairments. While Selank (an anxiolytic peptide) and Semax (a nootropic peptide) are known for their effects on mood and cognition, there has been a lack of understanding regarding how these peptides specifically modulate whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity in humans.

The study revealed significant between-group (peptide vs. placebo) and between-condition (time points) differences in functional connectivity. Specifically, changes were observed in the connectivity between the right amygdala (a brain region crucial for emotion and anxiety regulation) and several areas within the right temporal cortex, including the fusiform, inferior, middle temporal, and parahippocampal gyri. Post hoc analysis further delineated both general and specific modulatory effects of Selank and Semax on this amygdala-temporal cortex functional circuit, marking the first time such specific network alterations have been identified for these peptides. These changes were evident at both the 5-minute and 20-minute post-injection time points. The study demonstrated that both Selank and Semax induce distinct and measurable alterations in the functional connectivity between the right amygdala and the right temporal cortex in healthy individuals.