Cognitive & neuro
Galanin
A 29-amino-acid brain peptide that dampens cholinergic signalling, studied in memory and Alzheimer's research.
What it is
Galanin is a 29- or 30-amino-acid neuropeptide found widely in the brain, often in the same neurons as acetylcholine and noradrenaline. It inhibits their release, which puts it at the centre of memory and mood research. In Alzheimer's disease the surviving cholinergic neurons become hyperinnervated by galanin fibres, and receptor drugs have been explored but not approved.
How it works
- 1
Acts on GalR1, GalR2 and GalR3 receptors.
- 2
Inhibits adenylyl cyclase and reduces neurotransmitter release presynaptically.
- 3
Dampens cholinergic and noradrenergic transmission in memory circuits.
- 4
Modulates pain signalling in the spinal cord.
- 5
Receptor antagonists improved memory performance in animal models.
What it's studied for
Reported and studied effects
- Preclinical only: receptor blockade improves memory in rodents
- No established human cognitive effect from galanin itself
- Overexpression linked to cholinergic dysfunction in post-mortem Alzheimer's tissue
Research protocol notes
Research context onlyResearch context only - no human protocol exists. Published experiments use rodent central injections in the picomole to nanomole range or transgenic models; no galanin preparation has been given to humans as a therapy.
These figures are described so you can understand what researchers did. They are not a dose, a schedule, or a suggestion — and they are not a substitute for a doctor.
Possible side effects and contraindications
Safety profile
Possible side effects
- Unknown in humans
- Theoretical effects on pain perception, gut motility and hormone release
Contraindications and cautions
- No established human use
- Pregnancy, childhood and any medical condition - no safety data
A side-effect list is never complete, and these are not the only situations that warrant caution. Anything unexpected, or anything you are unsure about, should be discussed with a doctor before use.
Evidence assessment
Animal and post-mortem human tissue studies only; no trial has given galanin to people for any cognitive purpose.
References
References link to published literature, regulator pages or literature indexes. Where a link points to a search, it collects the peer-reviewed work on that molecule rather than a single study.
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