Effects of piracetam on the central dopaminergic transmission.

The effects of piracetam on dopamine metabolism in rat striatal tissue and on behavioural and biochemical effects of haloperidol were studied. Piracetam in doses 600 mg/kg and 1,000 mg/kg (i.p.) increased the levels of dopamine metabolites (homovanillic acid and 3,4-dihydroxy-phenylacetic acid) but did not influence the content of dopamine in the striatum. Piracetam (1,000 mg/kg) also increased haloperidol-induced catalepsy in rats. These results are discussed in relation to the hypothesis that some behavioural effects of piracetam can be connected with its action on dopaminergic transmission.