, 1994), to enhance

the structural dynamics of dendritic spines (Lendvai et al., 2003), to improve learning/memory in rats (DeNoble, 1987) and to enhance performance on cognitive tests in humans (Kidd, 1999). It has been suggested that altered expression of genes, which results in reduced plasticity in the brain, triggers molecular mechanisms responsible for the development of psychopathological conditions involving hyperactivity, such as ADHD (Banaschewski et al., 2010, Jensen et al., 2009, Parkitna et al., 2010, Rapoport and Gogtay, 2008 and Tsai, 2007). Interestingly, several lines of evidence suggest that deficits in neuronal plasticity underlie some of the neurobehavioral Torin 1 problems observed in FASD (Filgueiras et al., 2010, Krahe et al., 2009, Medina and Krahe, PS-341 clinical trial 2008, Paul et al., 2010 and Puglia and Valenzuela, 2010). Taken together, these data suggest that neuronal plasticity

deficits may also contribute to the hyperactivity observed in FASD and ADHD and, in this sense, the restorative effects of vinpocetine could be associated with its plasticity boosting properties. It is important to note that the restorative effects of vinpocetine in FASD models have been demonstrated only for short periods after treatment (Filgueiras et al., 2010, Krahe et al., 2009 and Medina et al., 2006). Therefore, whether the amelioration of the neurobehavioral deficits induced by ethanol during development is persistent remain to be investigated. Further studies in animal models of FASD are also required to verify if the treatment with vinpocetine has beneficial effects on the other two core features Levetiracetam of ADHD: inattention and impulsivity. This issue is particularly important since it was found that although children with FASD display more behavioral problems and difficulties with attention and hyperactivity/impulsivity than typical children, attention deficits tend to account for more problems than hyperactive symptoms (Kodituwakku et al., 2006). Additionally, the ADHD medication may be less effective in treating the inattention symptom cluster in the FASD population (Doig et al.,

2008). Another question that should be considered is that vinpocetine is already used (as Cavinton©) in some countries to treat cerebrovascular-related diseases without showing significant side effects at doses ranging from 15 to 45 mg per day (Kidd, 1999). Therefore, the safety and availability of this drug make this compound a promising agent for future clinical studies. Funding for this study was provided by Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ) and Sub-Reitoria de Pós-graduação e Pesquisa da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (SR2-UERJ). Both the FAPERJ and SR2-UERJ have no further role in study design; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; or in the decision to submit the paper for publication.