Overview
Cortagen is an ultrashort tetrapeptide (Ala–Glu–Asp–Pro, or AEDP) derived from bovine brain-cortex extract Cortexin. Research indicates it modulates gene expression and supports neuronal plasticity at microgram-per-kilogram dose ranges.
“Recognized research ranges: 0.01 mg/kg daily for ~10 days (i.m.) and 0.01–0.10 mg/kg daily for ~5 days (i.p.) in rodent models.”
What It Is
Cortagen represents a defined peptide fragment synthesized to replicate bioactive components from Cortexin. Preclinical studies suggest mechanisms involving:
– Gene regulation: Short peptides modulate transcriptional activity in multiple tissues, including heart and brain cortex
– Neuroplasticity support: May enhance dendritogenesis and counter synaptotoxic cascades in neurodegeneration models
– Model-specific effects: Behavioral and regenerative outcomes vary with dose, route, and duration
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Reconstitution Instructions
Standard Protocol (3.0 mL Dilution)
1. Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water
2. Inject slowly along the vial wall (do not vigorously shake)
3. Gently swirl to dissolve completely; avoid foam
4. Final concentration: 6.67 mg/mL (approximately 66.7 µg per insulin unit on a 100-unit syringe)
Storage After Reconstitution:
– Temperature: 2–8 °C (36–46 °F)
– Protect from light
– Refrigerate immediately after mixing
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Dosage Protocols
Standard/Gradual Approach — 10-Day Course
Daily Dosage Formula: 0.01 mg/kg
| Parameter | Value (70 kg model) |
|---|---|
| Daily dose | 0.70 mg (10 µg/kg) |
| Syringe measurement | ≈ 10.5 units (0.105 mL) |
| Duration | Days 1–10, once daily |
Calculation: Dose (mg) = 0.01 × Body Weight (kg); Units = Dose (mg) ÷ 0.0667
Advanced/Aggressive Approach — 5-Day Course
Daily Dosage Formula: 0.03 mg/kg (commonly reported mid-range in behavioral studies)
| Parameter | Value (70 kg model) |
|---|---|
| Daily dose | 2.10 mg (0.03 mg/kg) |
| Syringe measurement | ≈ 31.5 units (0.315 mL) |
| Duration | Days 1–5, once daily |
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Cycle Information
– Frequency: Once daily during selected course (5 or 10 days)
– Timing: Consistent daily time recommended; document weight, route, and exact volume
– Route: Per study design; published models used intramuscular (i.m.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration
– Repeat cycles: May require additional vials depending on model weight and course selection
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Supplies Needed
For a single course:
– Cortagen 20mg vial (approximately 1 vial per course)
– Insulin syringes (100-unit): 10 for 10-day course; 5 for 5-day course
– Bacteriostatic water: 1 × 10 mL bottle
– Alcohol swabs: 1 box
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Storage Instructions
Lyophilized Form:
– Temperature: −20 °C (−4 °F)
– Desiccated environment
– Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles
Reconstituted Solution:
– Temperature: 2–8 °C (36–46 °F)
– Protected from light
– Prepare aliquots for extended storage
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Injection Technique
– Disinfect vial septum and injection site with sterile technique
– Use single-use sterile syringes and needles
– Confirm correct anatomical site and route (i.m./i.p./s.c.) per protocol
– Inject slowly; rotate injection sites as appropriate for model
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Potential Benefits (Preclinical Literature)
– Behavioral modulation in mice within 0.01–0.10 mg/kg range (5-day courses)
– Enhanced nerve regeneration metrics in rat sciatic-injury models at 0.01 mg/kg (10-day course)
– Gene expression modulation supporting neuroprotection
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Adverse Effects & Considerations
“Adverse effects data are limited; use standard lab safety, monitor animals per protocol.”
– Limited adverse effects documentation in preclinical studies
– Standard laboratory safety protocols recommended
– Animal monitoring essential per institutional protocols
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Important Notes
– 3.0 mL maximum reconstitution per vial (do not exceed)
– If calculated per-injection volume yields less than approximately 10 units, consider 50-unit or 30-unit syringes for precision
– Document species, weight, route, and exact daily mg/mL for reproducibility
– Calibrate syringes and verify volumes gravimetrically when feasible
– Maintain detailed lot numbers, reconstitution dates, and dosing logs
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Disclaimer
This page is an educational resource summarizing preclinical literature. It is not medical advice. Products are for research use only — not for human or veterinary use. No claims of therapeutic efficacy are made.
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References
– Anisimov SV et al. (2004) – Gene expression studies
– Turchaninova LN et al. (2000) – Sciatic-injury model regeneration
– Adriani W et al. (2009) – Behavioral effects in mice
– Khavinson VK et al. (2016, 2020) – Short peptide gene-expression mechanisms
– Kurkin DV et al. (2021) – Neuroprotective action context