Abstract

Background: Pramiracetam is being used, particularly by students, to increase cognitive function and enhance learning and memory. There are currently sparse data on the effect of pramiracetam, particularly in the brain. One recent study showed that there is an increased nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in systemically administered pramiracetam. Aims and Objectives: To determine if there would be a demyelinating effect in the hippocampus that is a sign of neurological damage due to increasing nitric oxide synthase.
Materials and Methods: A total of fifteen mice were given 200 and 600 mg/kg dose of pramiracetam for qualitative histological comparison of their hippocampal myelination. After administration with food of the pramiracetam for 75 days, the mice were sacrificed and the brains were then extracted intact, and sagittal sections of the brain were made and stained with the Klüver-Barrera method. Hippocampi were analyzed using a compound microscope to observe for demyelination and neuronal degeneration.
Results: Based on histological analysis, there were no signs of demyelination in the hippocampus of the Mus musculus brain. This may indicate that pramiracetam does not cause demyelination that may be due to increased NO production. Conclusion: Pramiracetam may be safe to take at doses of 200–600 mg/kg without any demyelinating effects in mouse.