In vitro (brain slices) · PMID 41171324
The Effect of Peptide Semax on Intracellular Calcium Dynamics in Rat Brain Neurons — VialBase Research
Semax (1 microM) significantly increased frequency of spontaneous calcium oscillations in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons
Last updated · 2025 · Kolbaev SN, Sharonova IN, Skrebitsky VG · Bull Exp Biol Med
Key findings
- Semax (1 microM) significantly increased frequency of spontaneous calcium oscillations in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons
- No significant effect on proton-stimulated calcium increases in cerebellar granule cells
- Primary neuroprotective mechanism appears unrelated to acid-sensing ion channel modulation
- Localizes Semax's cellular targets to hippocampal circuits
Semax Enhances Hippocampal Calcium Oscillations (PMID: 41171324)
Study Design
- Rat hippocampal and cerebellar brain slices
- Applied Semax (1 microM)
- Measured spontaneous intracellular calcium fluctuations in CA1 pyramidal neurons
- Measured proton-induced calcium changes in cerebellar granule cells
Key Results
- Semax significantly increased frequency of spontaneous calcium oscillations in hippocampal CA1
- No effect on acid-sensing ion channel-mediated calcium entry in cerebellum
- Suggests hippocampus-specific targeting
Relevance
Provides mechanistic insight into how Semax enhances memory and learning. The hippocampal CA1 region is critical for memory consolidation, and enhanced calcium oscillation frequency indicates increased neuronal network synchronization — the substrate for long-term potentiation and memory formation.
See Also
- Parent compound: Semax