Comparative experimental research into the nootropic action of procaine and pyracetam

Procaine exerts a positive influence in different tests that prove its nootropic effects: it improves the learning process in small animals, increases the resistance to hypoxemia induced by curarization and hypobarism, augments the effort endurance. The effect is clearly shown at the dose of 5 mg/kg b.w. in subchronic treatment (five to eight days). A higher dose of procaine--25 mg/kg b.w.--does not influence significantly these tests, but ensures a partial protection against gastric ulcers induced by contention. The efficiency is inferior to pyracetam. Neither procaine nor pyracetam succeeds in protecting against supramaximal electroshock or in influencing EEG changes due to hexobarbital. As shown by EEG, the two substances have different mechanisms of action: procaine triggers cortical inhibitory effects while pyracetam manifests itself by activating phenomena.