title: Effects of piracetam on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor properties in the aged mouse brain.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, FRG.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Müller
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D016291:Dizocilpine Maleate; D010889:Piracetam