Abstract: Cultured brain slices are treated with a free radical generator, in the presence of a lysosomal enzyme inhibitor (specifically an inhibitor of two cathepsins). The treated brain slices rapidly develop autofluorescent lipofuscin granules—a universal feature of brain aging. Other correlates of the aged brain are also induced by this treatment, thereby providing an in vitro model for (1) the study of brain aging; (2) assessment of anti-brain aging drugs; and (3) therapeutics directed at the clinical condition referred to as neuronal ceroidlipofuscinosis.

Abstract: Compounds useful for enhancing synaptic responses mediated by AMPA receptors are disclosed, as are methods for the preparation thereof, and methods for their use for treatment of 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 are useful for enhancing synaptic responses mediated by AMPA receptors are disclosed, as are methods for the preparation thereof and methods for their use for treatment of 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: Cultured brain slices are treated with a free radical generator, in the presence of a lysosomal enzyme inhibitor (specifically an inhibitor of two cathepsins). The treated brain slices rapidly develop autofluorescent lipofuscin granules-a universal feature of brain aging. Other correlates of the aged brain are also induced by this treatment, thereby providing an in vitro model for (1) the study of brain aging; (2) assessment of anti-brain aging drugs; and (3) therapeutics directed at the clinical condition referred to as neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis.

Abstract: This invention relates to treatment of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders, including enhancement of receptor functioning in synapses in brain networks responsible for higher order behaviors. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for the use of AMPA receptor up-modulators in conjunction with antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia. Kits containing the compositions in appropriate form for administration are also provided.

Abstract: This invention is a novel treatment for sexual dysfunctions by administering to a subject exhibiting a sexual dysfunction compounds that upmodulate the AMPA receptor. Methods and compositions for treating sexual dysfunction are provided. Kits containing the compositions in appropriate form for administration are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the level of neurotrophic factors and neurotrophic factor receptors in the brain of a mammal afflicted with a pathology which produces neurodegeneration without significant loss of memory or learning comprising administering to a mammal an effective amount of an allosteric upmodulator of .alpha.-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-proprionic acid (AMPA) receptors.

Abstract: Compounds based on the benzoxazine ring system 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: Compounds useful for enhancing synaptic responses mediated by AMPA receptors are disclosed, as are methods for the preparation thereof, and methods for their use for treatment of 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 he 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 having the following structural formula, ##STR1## are useful for enhancing synaptic response mediated by AMPA receptors are disclosed, the invention compounds can also be used for the treatment of non-impaired subject for enhancing performance in sensory-motor and cognitive tasks which depend on brain networks utilizing AMPA receptor and for improving memory encoding.

Abstract: Compounds ##STR1## are useful for enhancing synaptic responses mediated by AMPA receptors are disclosed, as are methods for the preparation thereof and methods for their use for treatment of 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: The invention provides a method for the detection of cellular pathology by means of an immunoassay to determine the presence of stable breakdown products, termed BDP's or BDP1 and BDP2, of the cytoskeleton component spectrin. In one aspect of the invention, the components from a sample of spectrin-containing cells are physically separated, as by exposure to an electric field, in such a way that BDP and spectrin are separated. Antibodies reactive with BDP are then contacted with the separated sample, and their binding to that portion of the sample containing any BDP determined. In another aspect of the invention, an assay, such as an ELISA assay, is performed to detect total spectrin immunoreactivity as an indication of cellular death or degradation.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a method and apparatus for learning the characteristics of an event and for recognizing events which have been previously learned. The apparatus is comprised of forward and feedback matrices which process input signals characterizing events to be learned by comparing the convergence responses generated by the input signals at successively different levels of convergence threshold. The convergence threshold is altered until an acceptable range of convergence is reached, and then the pattern of convergence is learned. The pattern of convergence is stored for future reference. In recognition mode, the input signals are again processed at successively different convergence threshold levels until an acceptable range of convergence is reached. The pattern of convergence is then compared to the stored convergence patterns of known events to determine if the event is known.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a recognize only embodiment of a recognition matrix comprised of a forward matrix and a reverse matrix each having a plurality of contacts which cause convergence responses on target lines when an input signal is received by said contact. Learning is performed by changing the characteristics of the contacts to alter the convergence responses they cause in accordance with a learning rule involving the comparison of total convergence response on each target line to a convergence threshold. The contacts are not programmed ad hoc in the field as events are individually learned. Instead each contact is programmed permanently by the user for a class of events which is fixed and which can never change. The user typically performs the learning on a computer simulator for all the events which a particular system is to be used to recognize.