PMID: 16996037
Dolotov et al./PubMed/2007
Why It Matters
This paper caught my attention because it shows a mechanism for how Semax might affect learning — it upregulates BDNF, the brain's key growth factor for neuroplasticity. But here's the reality check: this is a single-dose rat study from 2007. The cognitive improvements were modest and measured in a simple avoidance task, not complex human cognition. If you're considering Semax for cognitive enhancement, know that the mechanistic story is plausible, but we're still extrapolating from rodent brains to human performance.
Key Findings
- Single 50 µg/kg dose of Semax increased BDNF protein levels by 1.4-fold in rat hippocampus
- TrkB receptor activation increased 1.6-fold (measured by tyrosine phosphorylation), suggesting the BDNF being produced was functionally active
- BDNF mRNA (exon III variant) increased 3-fold and trkB mRNA increased 2-fold, indicating transcriptional changes
- Rats treated with Semax showed increased number of conditioned avoidance reactions compared to controls, suggesting improved learning
- Effects were observed after intranasal administration, which allows peptides to bypass the blood-brain barrier
Read the Paper↗PMID: 16996037