Do piracetam-like compounds act centrally via peripheral mechanisms?

The pharmacological mechanism of action of the piracetam-like nootropics is still obscure. Their unique feature is that they exert distinct effects on memory, but show hardly any biochemical activity and are practically devoid of toxic effects. Our results indicate that the memory-enhancing action of these substances is dependent on the presence of the adrenals, suggesting that their central effects might be mediated by peripheral mechanisms.