Neuroactive Peptides &
Cognitive Analysis
Quantifying neuroplasticity and synaptic density modulation. A deep technical exploration of Semax, Selank, and BDNF upregulation mechanisms for high-sensitivity neuroscience research.
99.4%
HPLC Purity
BDNF
Synthesis Markers
TrkB
Receptor Targets
Cold
Chain Stabilization
The Neurochemical Landscape:
Nootropic Investigation
Neuroscience research has shifted toward the study of neurotrophic factors—endogenous proteins that support the survival, growth, and differentiation of neurons. The primary focus of modern cognitive assays centers on the modulation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and the activation of the tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptor. Synthetic peptides like Semax and Selank serve as precise ligands for investigating these pathways.
At Vitanx Research, we specialize in provide sequence-verified neuro-peptides that serve as high-fidelity reagents for researchers mapping focus pathways, non-stimulant neuro-support, and high-sensitivity mood-enhancement models as reported by NCBI and scholarly neurology journals.
Semax: The ACTH(4-10) Analog
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from a fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Unlike the full-length hormone, Semax lacks hormonal activity but retains and enhances the neurotropic properties of the ACTH(4-10) sequence. Research published on PubMed highlights its role in protecting against ischemic damage and enhancing cognitive throughput under stress.
BDNF Upregulation Mechanism
A central feature of Semax in laboratory assays is its ability to rapidly increase the mRNA expression of BDNF and its high-affinity receptor TrkB in the hippocampus. This upregulation is critical for investigating neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. In rodent models, Semax has shown to consistently improve spatial memory and learning efficiency.
Neuroprotective Integrity
Semax is also studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects within the brain. Researchers use it to investigate the reduction of glutamate toxicity and the stabilization of the neuronal calcium homeostasis during simulated ischemic events. At Vitanx Research, we filter out all truncated sequences to ensure the heptapeptide remains structurally potent for these sensitive assays.
Selank: Tuftsin & Neuroimmune Resilience
Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic analog of the tetrapeptide tuftsin, which is naturally produced in the spleen and involved in immune regulation. By adding a Pro-Gly-Pro sequence to the terminal end, Selank’s proteolytic stability is significantly increased, allowing for longitudinal research into neuroimmune interactions and stress-resilience.
According to research in ScienceDirect, Selank exerts an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect by modulating the metabolism of IL-6 and the concentration of monoamine neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. This makes it a primary subject for labs investigating cognitive resilience in high-stress environment models without the sedative side effects of traditional GABA-ergic compounds.
Strategic Research Synergies
The “Focus & Calm” Dual Alpha
Many researchers explore the co-administration of Semax (for cognitive drive) and Selank (for stress regulation) to map the balanced optimization of the default mode network (DMN).
View Catalog →Somatic Axis Cross-Talk
Investigating how GH-secreting peptides influence neurogenesis via the IGF-1 pathway in the brain.
Endocrine Domain →Laboratory Handling &
CNS Assay Standards
Neuroactive peptides are exceptionally sensitive to enzymatic degradation by dipeptidases. To ensure accurate results in CNS assays, researchers must use reagents that are TFA-Free or have minimal residual acid content, as off-target acidity can influence neuronal firing thresholds in vitro.
Reconstitution Logic for Neurology
While bacteriostatic water is common, researchers investigating high-sensitivity cognitive markers often prefer HPLC-grade purified water or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) to maintain a neutral pH. Once reconstituted, Semax and Selank should be maintained at 2°C to 8°C and are best utilized within 15-20 days to prevent peptide fragmentation.
HPLC & MS Traceability
The Vitanx “Neural Batch” undergoes triple-stage HPLC checkout. We look specifically for the absence of “Pro-Gly-Pro” deletion fragments which are a common byproduct of low-grade synthesis. Our mass spectrometry verified weight for Semax is exactly 813.9 Da, ensuring absolute sequence fidelity for your data collection.
Technical Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between Semax and Selank in research?
Semax is primarily used to investigate cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and BDNF upregulation (a more stimulatory profile). Selank is primarily used to study anxiety regulation, neuroimmune markers, and stress resilience (a more regulatory profile).
Does Semax cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?
In a research context, intranasal administration is often the preferred delivery method because it bypasses the BBB by following the olfactory and trigeminal nerve pathways directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, allowing for higher CNS titration.
How do these peptides relate to the “default mode network”?
Current fMRI-based research suggests that Semax can influence the functional connectivity within the DMN, potentially explaining its effects on attention control and mental processing speed in high-load investigative assays.
Scientific References
- Lebedeva, A., et al. (2018). “Semax and the neuronal network: fMRI study.” Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior.
- Kolomin, T., et al. (2014). “Transcriptome analysis of the Selank action in the rat hippocampus.” Frontiers in Pharmacology.
- Agapov, I. I., et al. (2021). “Neuroprotective properties of ACTH fragments.” Journal of Neurochemistry.
- Vitanx Research Neuroscience Archives. (2024). “HPLC Standards for Heptapeptide Synthesis.”