The Neuroprotective Effects of Semax in Conditions of MPTP-Induced Lesions of the Brain Dopaminergic System

Abstract

This report describes studies cf the effects of the ACTH(4-10) analog Semax (MEHFPGP) on the behavior of white rats with lesions to the brain dopaminergic system induced by the neurotoxin MPTP. Neurotoxin was given as single i.p. doses of 25 mg/kg. Neurotoxin injections were shown to decrease movement activity and increase anxiety in the animals. Daily intranasal administration of Semax at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg decreased the severity of MPTP-induced behavioral disturbances. The protective activity of Semax in MPTP-induced lesions of the brain dopaminergic system may be associated with both its modulating effect on the dopaminergic system and the neurotrophic action of the peptide.

The Krushinsky-Molodkina rat strain: The study of audiogenic epilepsy for 65 years

“…This problem is very important both for practical goals [68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86] and for theoretical issues, as well [68,76,77]. The examples of such effects are numerous, but in spite of this, the respective mechanisms stay mainly unexplored.…”

“…Newborn mice and rat pups of several genotypes were injected with ACTH 4-10 , Semax (the peptide resistant to endopeptidase cleavage activity, the synthetic analogue of ACTH 4-10 fragment (see [79]), ketamine (nonconcurrent NMDA-receptor antagonist), caffeine (A1 type adenosine receptor antagonist), pyracetame, melatonin, buspirone (5НТ-2А-receptors agonist), L-NAME (NOS inhibitor), and levetiracetam (anticonvulsant). In most cases, the AS proneness of adult animals was analyzed.…”

The Effect of Semax and Its C-End Peptide PGP on the Morphology and Proliferative Activity of Rat Brain Cells During Experimental Ischemia: A Pilot Study

“…According to the literature, Semax has neuroprotective effects (Levitskaya et al 2004;Grivennikov et al 2008). Immunomodulation, deceleration of inflammatory responses, slowing the synthesis of nitrogen oxide, and limiting oxidative stress reactions are its main manifestations (Astashkin et al 2000;Bashkatova et al 2001).…”

Neuroprotective and antiamnesic effects of Semax during experimental ischemic infarction of the cerebral cortex

“…Previous studies showed that intraperitoneal injection of Semax decreases the severity of neurological disorders and improves survival of animals with global cerebral ischemia induced by occlusion of both common carotid arteries [9]. This peptide improved recovery of behavioral reaction in rats receiving the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine selectively damaging dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra [12]. However, there is direct evidence of the neuroprotective effect of Semax during focal cerebral ischemia.…”

“…Semax improves learning and memory and surpasses the prototype by several pharmacological properties [10]. Semax not only modulates cognitive function, but also exhibits neuroprotective activity [4,9,12]. Published data show that the use of Semax in combination therapy for carotid ischemic strokes decreases mortality rate, improves clinical outcome of stroke, and increases the degree of functional recovery [4].…”