Enhanced Neuroplasticity by the Metabolic Enhancer Piracetam Associated with Improved Mitochondrial Dynamics and Altered Permeability Transition Pore Function

Figure 6

Mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP level are slightly elevated in piracetam treated cells. Mitochondrial membrane potential was analyzed in (a) SH-SY5Y Ctl and (b) SH-SY5Y APPwt cells using the fluorescent dye Rhodamine 123 (R123). In SH-SY5Y Ctl cells, mitochondrial membrane potential is unaltered under normal conditions but decreased after complex I inhibition induced by rotenone. In SH-SY5Y APPwt cells, the mitochondrial membrane potential is decreased and is slightly compensated by piracetam (Pira). SH-SY5Y cells were seeded and incubated for one day. Afterwards, incubation was started with 1 mM piracetam (Pira) for 24 hours. After 30 minutes, 2.5 µM rotenone was added. Finally, mitochondrial membrane potential was determined. (c) Piracetam (Pira) slightly elevates ATP levels under normal conditions in SH-SY5Y Ctl and SH-SY5Y APPwt cells but has no effect in rotenone treated cells. SH-SY5Y cells were seeded and incubated with 1 mM piracetam (Pira) for 72 hours. During the last 24 hours, 2.5 µM rotenone was added. Finally, ATP levels were determined. Data are represented as mean ± SEM; Student’s paired -test ( compared to untreated control cells or rotenone treated cells, resp.); = 4–6.

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