Abstract: This invention relates to methods and devices for the detection and characterization of psychoactive compounds by analyzing alterations of network level physiological characteristics before and after the introduction of a candidate sample onto an in vitro neuronal tissue sample. The invention further provides a software package that enables an operator to deliver a timed electrical pulse to neuronal samples at a specific point in their spontaneous or induced oscillations. Such temporal stimulations trigger unexpected and useful network level physiological responses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for enhancing the physiological and therapeutic effects of an AMPA receptor potentiator in an animal by co-administration of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with the potentiator. Also disclosed is a method for treating a cognitive disorder in an animal by co-administration of an AMPA receptor potentiator and an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. In addition, a composition comprising an effective amount of an AMPA receptor potentiator and an effective amount of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for the detection and characterization of psychoactives in neuronal tissue by comparing parameters measured for a set of baseline oscillations with those same parameters measured for a set of resulting oscillations. The baseline oscillations are induced or stimulated by such agents as chemical compounds that effect cholinergic interactions, co-deposited neuronal tissue, or electrical stimulations. The resulting set of oscillations is obtained after exposing the neuronal tissue to a sample composition that may or may not contain a psychoactive. By comparing the parameters for the baseline and resulting oscillations, the psychoactive in the sample composition may be detected and characterized as belonging to a specific psychoactive compound class and in some instances, may be distinguished from other members of the psychoactive compound class.