[Neuropharmacological properties of piracetam derivatives]

Piracetam and its 8 derivatives were studied in experiments on mice and rats with the use of standard neurotropic tests and nootropic activity tools. The electrophysiological index of GABA-ergic inhibition (the recovery cycle of cortical evoked potentials) was also investigated. It was shown that piracetam derivatives as well as piracetam itself have a pronounced antihypoxic activity and prevent the amnestic effect of electroshock in experimental passive avoidance. Most of them were inactive according to the standard neurotropic test. Piracetam derivatives with a hydrazide grouping in the side chain combine nootropic activity and a specific stimulant effect, while the derivatives possessing a phenyl ring combine nootropic and depressant activity.