[Influence of Semax on the emotional state of white rats in the norm and against the background of cholecystokinin-tetrapeptide action].

The effects of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH(4-10)) analog, Semax (MEHFPGP), on the level of anxiety and depression in white rats have been studied in the normal state and against the background of cholecystokinin-tetrapeptide (CCK-4) action. Semax was injected intranasally in doses of 50 and 500 microg/kg 15 min before the testing. CCK-4 was administered intraperitoneally in a dose of 400 microg/kg 40 min before the testing.

[Effects of chronic Semax administration on exploratory activity and emotional reaction in white rats].

Effects of chronic intranasal administration of ACTH(4-10) analog Semax (MEHFPGP) on exploratory activity, anxiety level, and depression-like behaviour were studied in white rats. The peptide was injected daily in dose 0.05 mg/kg during 10 or 14 days.

[Study of the relationship between analgesic activity and structure of synthetic melanocortin analogs].

Melanocortins, peptides of the family of adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) and melanocyte-stimulating (MSH) hormones, have a wide range of physiological activity. Heptapeptide semax (MEHFPGP) is an analog of the ACTH4-10 fragment. Previously, pronounced nootropic and neuroprotective activities were shown for this peptide; in addition, it decreases pain sensitivity in animals.