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Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists01:30

Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists

Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function. They...
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Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory

Neurotransmitters are integral to the brain's communication system, enabling neurons to transmit signals across synapses. This chemical exchange underpins various cognitive functions, including memory processes. The role of neurotransmitters in memory is multifaceted, influencing the encoding, consolidation, and retrieval of memories through their action on different neural circuits.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Preparation of Acute Hippocampal Slices from Rats and Transgenic Mice for the Study of Synaptic Alterations during Aging and Amyloid Pathology
14:57

Preparation of Acute Hippocampal Slices from Rats and Transgenic Mice for the Study of Synaptic Alterations during Aging and Amyloid Pathology

Published on: March 23, 2011

Acetyl-L-carnitine improves aged brain function.

Satoru Kobayashi1, Machiko Iwamoto, Kazuo Kon

  • 1Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for Research on Aging and Promotion, Sakaecho, Itabashiku, Tokyo, Japan.

Geriatrics & Gerontology International
|July 2, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) supplementation improved memory and learning in aged rats by enhancing brain synaptic functions and neurotransmission. This suggests ALCAR may be beneficial for cognitive health during aging.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Preparation of Acute Hippocampal Slices from Rats and Transgenic Mice for the Study of Synaptic Alterations during Aging and Amyloid Pathology
14:57

Preparation of Acute Hippocampal Slices from Rats and Transgenic Mice for the Study of Synaptic Alterations during Aging and Amyloid Pathology

Published on: March 23, 2011

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Gerontology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Aging is associated with cognitive decline and reduced synaptic function.
  • Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) is an L-carnitine derivative with potential neuroprotective effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of ALCAR on memory, learning capacity, and synaptic function in aged rats.
  • To explore the impact of ALCAR on cholinergic neurotransmission and neuronal excitability.

Main Methods:

  • Aged Fischer 344 rats were administered ALCAR (100 mg/kg) orally for 3 months.
  • Learning capacity was assessed using Hebb-Williams and AKON-1 tasks.
  • Cholinergic activity, calcium influx, and electrophysiological responses in hippocampus slices were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • ALCAR administration enhanced high-affinity choline uptake, acetylcholine synthesis, and release.
  • Increased calcium ion influx into synaptosomes was observed in ALCAR-treated rats.
  • Electrophysiological studies showed increased excitatory postsynaptic potential slope and population spike size.

Conclusions:

  • ALCAR significantly improves learning capacity in aging rats.
  • ALCAR enhances synaptic neurotransmission by modulating cholinergic activity and neuronal excitability.
  • ALCAR demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for age-related cognitive impairment.