Peptides semax and selank affect the behavior of rats with 6-OHDA induced PD-like parkinsonism

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common severe neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons (DA neurons) in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) region of the brain. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the synthetic regulatory peptides Semax (analog of an ACTH 4-10 fragment (ACTH4-10)) and Selank (analog of immunomodulatory taftsin) on behavior of rats with 6-hydroxidopamine (6-OHDA) induced PD-like parkinsonism. It was showed that both peptides did not affect motor activity of rats in elevated cross shaped maze and passive defensive behavior of the animals. At the same time, Selank decreased level of anxiety of rats with toxic damage of DA neurons in elevated cross shaped maze. Previously such effects of Selank were revealed in healthy rodents (rats and mice) with different models of psycho-emotional stress. Therefore, toxic damage of substantia nigra does not affect the response of the rat organism on this peptide.

An integrated approach to study the molecular aspects of regulatory peptides biological mechanism

“…Semax activity in above models is possibly defined by its influence on cognitive processes and is not connected (on receptor level) with anxiety and depression components. In the induced PD‐like Parkinsonism model, Semax (in contrast to anxiolytic peptide Selank) was also inactive . For now, we found the only stress model, which fits the pointed before (anti‐anxiety) requirements—a model of chronic unpredictable stress in rats (based on two modified well‐known stress models).…”

Antrodia camphorata polysaccharide resists 6‐OHDA‐induced dopaminergic neuronal damage by inhibiting ROS‐NLRP3 activation

“…6‐OHDA is a common neurotoxin, with important applications in the establishment of PD models, which can damage dopaminergic neurons and cause PD‐like behavioral changes (Slominsky et al., 2017). In this study, we found that the mechanism of 6‐OHDA‐induced neuronal injury is associated with ROS‐NLRP3 signaling.…”

Evaluating Some Parameters Of Wistar Rat Brain In Traumatic Brain Injury Model With Administration Of Proline-Containing Peptides

“…It has been proven that Selank did not cause adverse reactions and tolerance and did not have a withdrawal effect [3,10]. Clinical trials of Selank confirmed its neuroprotective and anxiolytic effects, as well as its nonspecific activating effect, mainly on the frontal lobes of the cerebral cortex [11,12].…”

“…Additionally, brain tissues are characterized by high metabolic rate and low rate of cell regeneration. The brain requires about 30% of the oxygen consumed by the body, and its tissues are highly sensitive to hypoxia and ischemic disorders [12]. Accordingly, an increased production of reactive oxygen species, along with a disorder of the antioxidant defense system, are among the leading mechanisms of cell damage in TBI [20].…”