| Abstract: | The term “nootropic” refers to compounds that act on cognitive functions. These drugs should facilitate learning and memory and prevent impairment of cognitive functions induced by diseases and brain insults. In animal models of impaired cognitive functions, the effects of several nootropic substances were investigated. Learning and retention in passive avoidance, and positive reinforcement paradigms were disrupted by hypoxia, cerebral ischemia and amnesia-inducing agents. Piracetam and several other novel nootropic compounds were shown to improve performance in these animal models. These results indicate that experimentally induced cognitive dysfunction in animals can be attenuated with drug treatment. |
