Piracetam: its possible mode of action in children with learning disabilities and its effect on in vitro cell growth

Abstract

The use of pharmaceutical products such as Piracetam (Nootropil®) for the treatment of learning disabilities is becoming increasingly prevalent, and some studies have shown successful treatment of learning disabilities in children. This research article will discuss traditional uses of Piracetam, as well as uses in learning disabilities, with particular focus on case studies where it has been given to children with learning disabilities. Furthermore, we investigate how Piracetam could potentially enhance learning, with specific focus on brain areas. However, even though Piracetam may enhance learning, the question that arises is how safe it is at a cellular level. Therefore the effect of Piracetam at a cellular level was determined. To achieve this purpose the effect of a 24‐hour exposure to 0–70 mM Piracetam on the growth of the L929 cell line and chick embryonic neurons in vitro was investigated. No statistically significant changes in cell viability or number was observed at 0–7 mM Piracetam in both cell types, although at 70 mM cell viability in the L929 cell line was significantly reduced when compared with the control. Initial studies indicate that Piacetam is only toxic at concentrations greater than 70 mM; however, the effects of repeated dosages over long periods still need to be investigated.

Keywords:

• Cells in culture
• Learning disabilities
• Nootropil®
• Pharmaceutical products