Seasonal effects of Selank on the behavior of hibernating animals.

Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine2005PMID: 16848230

Plain Language Summary

Studies seasonal variation in Selank's behavioral effects in Arctic ground squirrels (hibernating animals). Selank most strongly increased exploratory and orienting behavior during spring and fall—periods surrounding hibernation when animals show depression-like states. Suggests Selank's nootropic effects are more pronounced in states of reduced neural activity, with implications for seasonal affective conditions.

Abstract

We studied the seasonal effects of peptide preparation Selank on orientation and exploratory activity in 36 arctic ground squirrels Citellus undulatus in the open-field and hole-board tests. Selank most significantly increased behavioral activity of hibernating animals in the spring and fall. The test peptide had no effect on locomotor activity of animals. The selective stimulatory effect of Selank on exploratory behavior of hibernating animals was season-dependent. The maximum effect was observed under conditions of seasonal depression-like state.

Authors

Semenova, T P; Kozlovskaya, M M; Zuikov, A V; Kozlovskii, I I; Andreeva, L A