The functional importance of cerebral noradrenergic processes for the activating action of nootropic drugs in the behavioural despair test in mice
Schmidt, J.
Biomedica Biochimica Acta 44(5): 755-761
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0232-766X PMID: 4062920 Document Number: 261306
The influence of substances with a known modifying effect on cerebral noradrenergic transmission processes on the activating effect of the nootropics piracetam, pyritinol, meclofenoxat, methylglucamine orotate and dihydroergotoxine in comparison to desipramine and d-amphetamine in the behavioural despiar test was investigated in mice. Clonidine, an agonist of presynaptic .alpha.-adrenoceptor, and prazosin, a postsynpatic .alpha.-adrenoceptor blocker, in doses without own effect on the swimming behaviour counteracted the activating effect of nootropics in the behaviour despair test. On the other hand, yohimbine, a presynaptic .alpha.-adrenoceptor blocker, resulting itself in activation, did not change the effect of piracetam additionally. The results confirm the functional importance of noradrenergic processes for the state of iummobility and support the possible participation of an influence on the cerebral noradrenergic system in the mechanisms of action of nootropic drugs.