Effects of piracetam on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor properties in the aged mouse brain.
Subchronic treatment of aged mice with piracetam (500 mg/kg p.o. for 14 days) elevates N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor density by about 20% and normalizes the enhanced affinity of L-glutamate for the NMDA receptor. Since deficits at the level of the NMDA receptor might be one of the mechanisms underlying age-associated cognitive impairment, the effects reported for piracetam may be relevant for the cognition-enhancing properties of this drug.
Cohen
S A
SA
Department of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, FRG.
Müller
W E
WE
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001665:Binding Sites; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D016291:Dizocilpine Maleate / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice; D010889:Piracetam / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D016291:Dizocilpine Maleate; D010889:Piracetam