The effect of piracetam on the somatosensory evoked cortical potentials in the course of both carotid arteries obstruction.
Nootropics are psychoactive substances that activate, protect and restore functions of the neuronal cells. Piracetam is the first representative of these compounds, often cited to act as an activator and protector of neuronal cells function, especially in hypoxic conditions. Therefore, we examined the effect of piracetam on the cortical neuronal activity in conditions when both carotid arteries have been ligated. We assumed that oligaemia occurred as the result of arterial obstruction and consequent hypoxic state developed. Evoked somatosensory potentials were used as an objective indicator of neuronal cells functional state. Our results demonstrate that the occlusion of both carotid arteries induces the extension of latency and reduction of the amplitude in the somatosensory evoked potentials of the adult cat. Piracetam (100 mg/kg i.v.) improves the evoked potentials returning both, latencies and amplitude to the control values, i.e. as measured before the ligature of arteries has been settled. Regarding a number of papers claiming that piracetam facilitates cholinergic neurotransmitter system, and that the amplitude of the somatosensory evoked potentials is increasing depending on the amount of the acetylcholine released, we think that the effect of piracetam on the evoked potentials during the occlusion of both carotid arteries, registered in our experiments, is mediated through the action of piracetam on the cholinergic system.
Marović
A
A
University Hospital, Firule, Split.
Cop
J
J
Bjegović
M
M
Mihoković
S
S
Geber
J
J
D000818:Animals; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002415:Cats; D005073:Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010889:Piracetam / Q000494:pharmacology*
D010889:Piracetam