Selank, a Peptide Analog of Tuftsin, Attenuates Aversive Signs of Morphine Withdrawal in Rats.

Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine2022PMID: 36322304

View on PubMed DOI: 10.1007/s10517-022-05624-x

Animal StudySelank

Plain Language Summary

Tests Selank (a tuftsin analogue) in rats undergoing naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal. A single Selank injection (0.3 mg/kg) reduced total withdrawal syndrome severity by 39.6%, significantly suppressed convulsions, ptosis, and posture problems, and increased pain sensitivity threshold 9-fold. Effects were slightly less powerful than diazepam (2 mg/kg) but still clinically meaningful, suggesting Selank may help ease opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Abstract

Activity of a peptide tuftsin analogue Selank was studied in outbred rats using the naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal model. Single intraperitoneal injection of Selank in an anxiolytic dose of 0.3 mg/kg reduced the total index of morphine withdrawal syndrome by 39.6%, significantly (р<0.0001) attenuated convulsive reactions, ptosis, and posture disorders, and 9-fold increased the tactile sensitivity threshold in morphine-dependent rats in comparison with the group of active control; at the same time, Selank was slightly inferior to diazepam in a dose of 2 mg/kg by pharmacological activity (the decrease in total index of morphine withdrawal syndrome by 49.3% and 13-fold increase in sensitivity threshold). Thus, Selank, like diazepam, weakens the aversive signs of morphine withdrawal in rats with opiate dependence.

Authors

Konstantinopolsky, M A; Chernyakova, I V; Kolik, L G

Keywords

Selankdiazepammorphineratswithdrawal syndrome