Library

Brain & nerves

Peptides from research on nerve cells and how they pass on signals. Examples are Selank, Semax and Pinealon. Strictly for laboratory research, with a certificate of analysis (CoA) per batch on request.

For laboratory and research use only. Not for human or animal consumption, diagnostics or therapeutic use.

The Neuropeptides area brings together peptides that act on signalling systems in the nervous system. Some are related to endogenous molecules involved in the balance between rest and activity in the brain. Others work on receptors linked to the production of neurotrophic factors, proteins that support nerve cells. Researchers study how these points of action influence neuronal signalling.

A practical hurdle in this area is that the nervous system is well shielded from the rest of the body. The so-called blood-brain barrier does not let all substances through. Cell models of this barrier are therefore used to study which peptides can cross it and through which transport mechanisms, and how a short peptide stays stable enough not to be broken down by enzymes along the way.

Peptides related to neuropeptides

Selank and Semax are synthetic peptides derived from endogenous sequences. Selank is related to a fragment of tuftsin, a molecule with a role in immune function. Semax is related to a part of the ACTH molecule. Both are linked in research to neurotrophic factors such as BDNF. DSIP, short for delta sleep inducing peptide, is studied in animal models in relation to sleep and wake rhythms.

Receptors for behaviour and hormone regulation

A second line focuses on receptors that govern behaviour and hormones. PT-141, also known as bremelanotide, acts on melanocortin receptors in the central nervous system. Kisspeptin-10 is a fragment involved in steering the reproductive axis from the brain. These examples show how short peptides can touch central hubs in brain signalling.

Fragments of known hormones

A striking pattern in this area is that many of the studied peptides are not new inventions but short pieces of hormones the body already knows. Semax is built around a part of ACTH, Selank around a fragment of tuftsin. By working with such a fragment, researchers try to isolate the part of the original molecule that acts on nerve signals, separate from the other tasks the whole hormone performs in the body.

Did you know

Semax is derived from a small part of the hormone ACTH.
DSIP got its name from early research into molecules linked to sleep.
Kisspeptin-10 acts as a starting signal in the hormonal reproductive axis.
Selank is derived from tuftsin, a short peptide with a role in immune function.
The blood-brain barrier lets many peptides through only to a limited extent, which makes this research technically demanding.

Compounds in this research area

PT-141 (Bremelanotide)

Libidopeptide

PT-141 is a peptide that fits the melanocortin receptors in the lab, mainly the MC4 receptor. Researchers use it as a reference compound for this family of receptors.

Target: Libido · erectie

Selank

Anti-angst peptide

Selank is a synthetic peptide of seven amino acids, derived from tuftsin. Researchers study it in cell and animal models of the nervous system.

Target: Stress · angst · slaap

Compare by molecular class

Brain & nerves	Type	Target
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)	Libidopeptide	Libido · erectie
Selank	Anti-angst peptide	Stress · angst · slaap

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Brain & nerves