Semax

Origin and structural rationale

Semax corresponds to ACTH(4-10) — Met-Glu-His-Phe — with Pro-Gly-Pro appended. Investigators added the proline tail specifically to resist aminopeptidase and carboxypeptidase cleavage, and published pharmacokinetic work in animals reports a markedly longer plasma and brain residence time than the parent fragment. Because the melanocortin-derived hormonal region of ACTH is absent, studies consistently characterize it as non-corticotropic.

Neurotrophic signaling

Ischemia and oxidative stress models

• Transcriptomic studies describing shifts in inflammatory and antioxidant gene clusters in ischemic brain tissue
• Assays of lipid peroxidation and glutathione-linked enzyme activity in neuronal cultures

Behavioral and monoaminergic work

Interpretation

Store the sealed vial at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture, and allow it to reach room temperature before opening so condensation does not enter the powder. Reconstitute by directing bacteriostatic water slowly down the inner wall of the vial rather than onto the cake, then swirl gently — do not shake or vortex, since mechanical agitation can shear peptide chains and generate foam. Once in solution, keep the vial at 2–8 °C, shielded from light, and record the reconstitution date on the label. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles; aliquot instead if the study runs over multiple sessions. Handle with gloves in a clean laboratory space.