[Modern Problems of the Pharmacology of Nootropic Agents: the Status and Outlook]

The information about the current state and perspectives of research in the field of development and study of the mechanisms of action of nootropic drugs is presented. The methodology of experimental study of nootropics is covered which is based on modelling different disorders of the integrative activity of the brain including old animals. The modern concepts of the mechanisms of action of agents are given. The most promising new trends in the investigation and search for nootropics on the basis of neuropeptides, ligands of GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex, antioxidants, membrane stabilizers, protein synthesis stimulants, agents influencing glutamatergic system, etc. are analyzed.