The influence of piracetam on the motor activity of rabbits with contusioned spinal cord.

Rabbits were made paraplegic by spinal cord contusion. There was a good correlation between motor function and microscopic findings. The spinal lesion significantly increased creatine kinase (CKBB) isoenzyme activity in cord tissue. Significant protection from paralysis was conveyed by piracetam (a psychoactive drug with neuroprotective activity) (2 g.kg-1 i.v.) administered once per day during 9 posttraumatic days. Piracetam significantly diminished increased activity of CKBB in the severed spinal cord. The sooner the piracetam was injected after the lesion the better protective effect was seen. No side effects of piracetam were seen.