Semax: Scientific Profile
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Semax is a synthetic neuropeptide heptapeptide, an analog of ACTH(4-7) (sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro), CAS 80714-61-0. Lacking endocrine activity; it increases BDNF/NGF and modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission. Reagent for research.
Semax (English name Semax; CAS 80714-61-0) is a synthetic heptapeptide with sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro, developed in Russia as an analog of the ACTH(4-10) fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone. Its distinctive feature is that it corresponds to the NON-hormonal portion of ACTH: it retains the central nervous system properties attributed to that fragment but lacks the classic corticotropic activity, which has made it a reference tool for the study of neuroactive peptides.
From a structural standpoint, Semax adds the tripeptide Pro-Gly-Pro to the Met-Glu-His-Phe fragment at the C-terminal end, a modification that markedly increases its stability against peptidases and prolongs its shelf life in assays compared with the original fragment.
The studied mechanism of action of Semax centers on the modulation of neurotrophic systems. In preclinical models it has been described as influencing the expression and activity of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), as well as their associated signaling pathways (TrkB). Its interaction with neurotransmission systems (dopaminergic and serotonergic) and its role in neuroprotective responses against oxidative and ischemic stress in experimental models have also been investigated.
In research, Semax is used as a tool for studying neuroprotection, synaptic plasticity, neurotrophic signaling (BDNF/NGF), and models of cerebral ischemia and cognitive function.
Semax is supplied as a lyophilized powder for reconstitution. Frozen storage protected from light is recommended, along with reconstitution using the sterile diluent indicated in the protocol. This product is offered exclusively as a research reagent (research use only): it is not intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of any disease, nor for human or veterinary consumption.
Mechanism of action
Semax exerts its effects through: 1) Increase of BDNF: it increases neurotrophic factor by up to 800% in some brain regions. 2) Modulation of melanocortins: it acts on brain MC4 receptors without hormonal effects. 3) Neuroprotection: it reduces oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis. 4) Neuroplasticity: it facilitates long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory formation. 5) Neurotransmission: it modulates dopamine and serotonin in the prefrontal cortex.
Mechanism summary
It upregulates BDNF/TrkB signaling and increases the expression of NGF; it modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission and acts as a partial agonist of melanocortin receptors (MC4R/MC5R). Neuroprotective profile, without endocrine activity.
Clinical Studies (5)
- Semax and its metabolites have an effect on the dopaminergic system (Dolotov OV, et al. · Neurochemical Research · 2005) — Study on the mechanism of action of Semax in the dopaminergic system. PMID 16362768.
- The efficacy of semax in the treatment of patients at different stages of ischemic stroke (Gusev, et al. · Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova · 2018) PMID 29798983.
- Brain Protein Expression Profile Confirms the Protective Effect of the ACTH(4-7)PGP Peptide (Semax) in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion (Sudarkina, et al. · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2021) PMID 34201112.
- Effectiveness of semax in acute period of hemispheric ischemic stroke (a clinical and electrophysiological study) (Gusev, et al. · Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova · 1997) PMID 11517472.
- Semax and selank inhibit the enkephalin-degrading enzymes from human serum (Kost, et al. · Bioorganicheskaia Khimiia · 2001) PMID 11443939.
Warnings
Semax is a compound exclusively for research use (RUO); the following warnings and handling considerations apply to its use in the laboratory:
- Use in the mornings to avoid sleep disturbance
- Models with known hypersensitivity to Semax or excipients
- Pregnant or lactating models (insufficient data)
- Models under 18 years old
- Models with severe uncontrolled psychiatric disorders
- Models with uncontrolled epilepsy
- Coadministration with CNS stimulants without supervision
Technical data
- CAS
- 80714-61-0
- Molecular formula
- C37H51N9O10S
- Molecular weight
- 813.93 Da
- Compound type
- peptide
- Storage
- -20 °C liofilizado; 2-8 °C reconstituido
- Shelf life (lyophilized)
- 24 months
- Shelf life (reconstituted)
- 30 days refrigerated
- Light-sensitive
- Sí
Available for research
Semax is available as a research-use-only (RUO) reagent with HPLC-verified purity and a per-batch COA:
Frequently asked questions about Semax
What is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic neuropeptide heptapeptide, an analog of ACTH(4-7) (sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro), CAS 80714-61-0. Lacking endocrine activity; it increases BDNF/NGF and modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission.
What is the mechanism of action of Semax?
It upregulates BDNF/TrkB signaling and increases the expression of NGF; it modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission and acts as a partial agonist of melanocortin receptors (MC4R/MC5R). Neuroprotective profile, without endocrine activity.
What is Semax researched for?
In preclinical research, Semax is studied mainly in: BDNF expression; Dopaminergic neurotransmission; Serotonergic modulation. Material for scientific research use only.
What are the chemical properties of Semax?
Molecular formula C37H51N9O10S; molecular weight 813.93 Da; CAS number 80714-61-0.
How is Semax stored?
Condiciones de conservación: -20 °C liofilizado; 2-8 °C reconstituido; estabilidad liofilizado: 24 meses; una vez reconstituido: 30 días refrigerado; protéjase de la luz.
What routes of administration are studied for Semax?
In the research models the following are described: Intranasal, Subcutaneous. Use is exclusively for scientific research.