Semax: A Research Overview
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) that is an analog of the ACTH(4–10) fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone. It has been studied in cell-culture and rodent neurochemistry research.
Chemical identity
| Compound | Semax |
|---|---|
| Also known as | MEHFPGP, (Pro8,Gly9,Pro10)ACTH(4–10) |
| Class | Synthetic heptapeptide, an analog of an ACTH fragment |
| Sequence | Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP) |
| Molecular formula | C37H51N9O10S |
| Molecular weight | 813.9 g/mol |
| CAS number | 80714-61-0 |
Background
Semax has the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP). It is a synthetic analog of the ACTH(4–10) fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone, modified with a Pro-Gly-Pro tail at the C-terminus.
It was developed in Russia, at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Published research includes rodent studies of gene expression and of monoamine systems in the brain.
Semax has not been evaluated by the U.S. FDA.
What the published literature reports
- Rat hippocampus
Reported that Semax, an ACTH(4–10) analog, changed expression of BDNF and its receptor trkB in the rat hippocampus.
Brain Res, 2006 publisher page - Rodents
Examined the effects of Semax, an ACTH(4–10) analog, on dopaminergic and serotonergic systems in the rodent brain.
Neurochem Res, 2005 publisher page
How to read this literature
The work cited above spans rat hippocampus, rodents. Findings from cell culture or animal models, and review articles that summarise them, do not establish how a compound behaves in other systems. Each citation links to the original record so you can read it directly.
Summaries describe what each cited paper reports in its own model system. They are not claims about the effects of this product.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. See our Research Use Only page.