Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Anxiety and executive functions are regulated by the amygdala and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), respectively.
• Selank (anxiolytic) and Semax (nootropic) are peptides with potential cognitive and emotional effects.
• Understanding their impact on brain networks is crucial for therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effects of Selank and Semax on whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity (FC).
• To examine FC changes in key regions like the amygdala and DLPFC.
• To differentiate between Selank and Semax specific effects on neural networks.

Main Methods:

• Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used in 52 healthy participants.
• Functional connectivity (FC) was measured before, and at 5 and 20 minutes after administration of Selank, Semax, or placebo.
• Regions of interest included the amygdala and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in both hemispheres.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in FC were observed between the right amygdala and temporal regions (fusiform, inferior, middle temporal, parahippocampal gyri).
• Post hoc analysis identified distinct effects of Selank and Semax on the FC between the right amygdala and right temporal cortex.
• These findings provide novel insights into the neurobiological mechanisms of Selank and Semax.

Conclusions:

• Selank and Semax modulate resting-state functional connectivity, particularly involving the amygdala and temporal regions.
• The study provides the first evidence differentiating the specific effects of Selank and Semax on amygdala-temporal cortex connectivity.
• These findings contribute to understanding the neural basis of anxiolytic and nootropic drug actions.