Abstract: Compounds having a certain benzoxazine ring system and their precursors are disclosed which are useful for enhancing synaptic responses mediated by AMPA receptors. Also disclosed are methods for preparing such compounds, and methods for their use in treating subjects suffering from impaired nervous or intellectual functioning due to deficiencies in the number of excitatory synapses or in the number of AMPA receptors. The invention compounds can also be used for the treatment of non-impaired subjects for enhancing performance in sensory-motor and cognitive tasks which depend on brain networks utilizing AMPA receptors and for improving memory encoding.

Abstract: Compounds based on the benzoxazine ring system ##STR1## are disclosed for use in enhancing synaptic responses mediated by AMPA receptors. The compounds are effective in the treatment of subjects suffering from impaired nervous or intellectual functioning due to deficiencies in the number or strength of excitatory synapses or in the number of AMPA receptors. The compounds can also be used for the treatment of non-impaired subjects for enhancing performance in sensory-motor and cognitive tasks which depend on brain networks utilizing AMPA receptors, for improving the performance of subjects with memory deficiencies, for treating schizophrenia, and for improving memory encoding.

Abstract: Benzoyl piperidines and pyrrolidines and compounds of related structure are disclosed for use in enhancing synaptic responses mediated by AMPA receptors. The compounds are effective in the treatment of subjects suffering from impaired nervous or intellectual functioning due to deficiencies in the number or strength of excitatory synapses or in the number of AMPA receptors. The compounds can also be used for the treatment of non-impaired subjects for enhancing performance in sensory-motor and cognitive tasks which depend on brain networks utilizing AMPA receptors, for improving the performance of subjects with memory deficiencies, for treating depression, alcoholism and schizophrenia, and for improving memory encoding.

Abstract: A method of treating a mammal with a neurodegenerative disease which is caused at least in part by the neurotoxic effects of the .beta.-amyloid protein. This method constitutes administering a metabotropic receptor agonist to such a mammal. In particular, the agonist trans-ACPD or 1S,3R-ACPD can be administered intravenously to treat a mammal with Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inhibiting .beta.-amyloid toxicity in brain cells. The method includes administering to the cells an amount of an alkaline phosphatase inhibitor which is pharmacologically effective to reduce degeneration in the cells. Methods of treatment of peripheral neuropathy are also provided using acid or alkaline phosphatase inhibitors.