citicoline

Citicoline (CDP-Choline) is an intermediate in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a component of cell membranes. Citicoline exerts neuroprotective effects.

Citicoline sodium (CDP-choline) is an endogenous intermediate in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine. It also serves as a choline donor in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Citicoline sodium demonstrates protective effects in cerebral ischemia, traumatic brain injury, and memory disorders. Exogenous administration of citicoline to rodents (500 mg kg i.p. immediately after ischemia and at 3-h reperfusion) has been shown to stimulate the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, and cardiolipin and to attenuate the release of arachidonic acid and the accumulation of ceramide.