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The effects of piracetam on cognitive performance in a mouse model of Down's syndrome
Timothy H Moran1, George T Capone, Susan Knipp
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Ross 618, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205-2196, USA. tmoran@jhmi.edu
Insights
Piracetam, a cognitive enhancer, did not improve learning in a mouse model of Down
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- Piracetam is a nootropic agent investigated for cognitive enhancement.
- Down syndrome (DS) is associated with cognitive deficits.
- The Ts65Dn mouse model mimics genetic aspects of DS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate piracetam's efficacy in the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS.
- To assess piracetam's effects on cognitive performance and activity levels.
Main Methods:
- Ts65Dn mice and controls received daily piracetam (0, 75, 150, 300 mg/kg) for 4 weeks.
- Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze.
- Spontaneous activity was measured in activity chambers.
Main Results:
- Piracetam improved cognitive performance in control mice.
- In Ts65Dn mice, piracetam impaired learning and prevented task improvement.
- High-dose piracetam reduced hyperactivity in Ts65Dn mice.
Conclusions:
- Piracetam does not support cognitive improvement in this DS mouse model.
- Piracetam may negatively impact learning in individuals with DS-like genetic alterations.
Abstract:
Piracetam is a nootropic agent that has been shown to improve cognitive performance in a number of animal model systems. Piracetam is reported to be used widely as a means of improving cognitive function in children with Down's syndrome (DS). In order to provide a preclinical assessment of the potential efficacy of piracetam, we examined the effects of a dose range of piracetam in the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS. Ts65Dn mice are trisomic for a region of mouse chromosome 16 with homology to human chromosome 21. Daily piracetam treatment at doses of 0, 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg ip was initiated in 6-week-old male Ts65Dn and euploid control mice. Following 4 weeks of treatment, mice were tested in the visible and hidden-platform components of the Morris water maze and were placed overnight in computerized activity chambers to assess effects on overall activity. Piracetam treatment was continued through the 4 weeks of testing. In control mice, 75 and 150 mg/kg/day piracetam improved performance in both the visible- and hidden-platform tasks. Although low doses of piracetam reduced search time in the visible-platform component in Ts65Dn mice, all piracetam doses prevented trial-related improvements in performance in Ts65Dn mice. The 300-mg/kg/day-piracetam dose was associated with a reversal of the nocturnal spontaneous hyperactivity in Ts65Dn. These data do not provide support for piracetam treatment for individuals with DS.
