Nicergoline dilates resistance vessels to improve cerebral circulation. As a selective α1-adrenergic receptor antagonist, it suppresses the pressor reflex in resistance vessels, increases local cerebral blood flow and glucose utilization during reperfusion after bilateral internal carotid artery ligation in rats, reduces blood pressure in anesthetized dogs without affecting cerebral perfusion, and alleviates experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced vasospasm in rabbits. It also enhances cerebral metabolism and electrophysiological activity: long-term treatment increases glucose utilization in brain extracts of aged rats, while acute administration improves memory function in elderly subjects, elevates total power in quantitative EEG, and reduces slow-wave activity.
CEP GMP DMF
