Abstract: A method for measuring indices of brain activity includes non-invasively obtaining signals of central nervous system (CNS) activity, localizing signals to specific anatomical and functional CNS regions, correlating the signals from pain and reward brain regions, and interpreting the correlation results. The results of interpreting the correlation results can be used for objectively measuring, in individual humans or animals, their responses to motivationally salient stimuli including but not limited to stimuli which are internal or external, conscious or non-conscious, pharmacological or non-pharmacological therapies, and diseased based processes. This method for measuring brain activity in reward/aversive central nervous system regions, can further be used to determine the efficacy of compounds.

Abstract: A functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), and in particular the trigeminal ganglion (TG), to determine activation in response to sensory input. The sensory input may, for example, be application of heat and/or mechanical stimuli to the face to produce pain.

Abstract: Methods of providing pain relief by administering a water-soluble derivative of spicamycin. Methods of using pain mediation agents are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for identifying potential therapeutic agents by relating in vitro techniques for drug screening of neural cells with neural circuitry function in animals and humans. The method involves objectively measuring, in a quantifiable and reproducible manner, the effects of the agents on pain and other motivational functions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating motivational and emotional circuitry in the brain during paradigms focused on specific motivational functions, to directly determine which components and how much the motivational and emotional brain circuitry responds. This circuitry response answers questions focused on normal and abnormal behavior, along with questions regarding the normal and abnormal function of the circuitry. The results of interrogating the motivational and emotional circuitry can be used for objectively measuring, in individual humans or animals, their preferences or responses to motivationally salient stimuli including but not limited to stimuli which are internal or external, conscious or non-conscious, pharmacological or non-pharmacological therapies, diseased based processes or not, financial or non-financial, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring indices of brain activity includes non-invasively obtaining signals of central nervous system (CNS) activity, localizing signals to specific anatomical and functional CNS regions, correlating the signals from pain and reward brain regions, and interpreting the correlation results. The results of interpreting the correlation results can be used for objectively measuring, in individual humans or animals, their responses to motivationally salient stimuli including but not limited to stimuli which are internal or external, conscious or non-conscious, pharmacological or non-pharmacological therapies, and diseased based processes. This method for measuring brain activity in reward/aversive central nervous system regions, can further be used to determine the efficacy of compounds.

Abstract: Methods of providing pain relief which includes the steps of identifying an animal in need of pain relief and administering an amount of spicamycin or a derivative thereof sufficient to provide pain relief.