668 results about "Neurotransmitter" patented technology

A method, system, and apparatus for providing an electrical neurostimulation therapy to a neural structure of a patient's body using an implantable medical device (IMD). A first electrical signal is provided using the implantable medical device. A first electrical signal is applied to the neural structure. An implanted sensor is provided. A physiological parameter is sensed using the implanted sensor. The physiological parameter is selected from the group consisting of a neurotransmitter parameter, a neurotransmitter breakdown product parameter, a neuropeptide parameter, and a glucocorticoid (GC) parameter. The first electrical signal is modified based upon the sensed physiological parameter to generate a second electrical signal. The second electrical signal is applied to the neural structure.

The invention relates to an agent specific for peripheral sensory afferents. The agent may inhibit the transmission of signals between a primary sensory afferent and a projection neuron by controlling the release of at least one neurotransmitter or neuromodulator from the primary sensory afferent. The agent may be used in or as a pharmaceutical for the treatment of pain, particularly chronic pain.

An efficient, objective, flexible and easily deployable system for conducting evaluations of mental and physiological state and recommending individualized treatment to improve said state is described. The method and system are based on commensurate measurement of mental functions, levels of stress and anxiety, and / or biologically active molecules such as neurotransmitters, immune markers including cytokines and hormones. The method and system are designed to assess an individual's cognitive function and the underlying physiology in order to delineate various disease processes, injuries, drug states, training stages, fatigue levels, stress levels, aging processes, predict susceptibility to stress and / or sleep deprivation, identify aptitude for training and / or characterize effects of any experimental conditions. The system and method may be used in recommending individualized treatment protocols, as well as to guide the treatment process by assessing the efficacy of such therapies in the clinical trials process.

A class of novel agents that are able to modify nociceptive afferent function is provided. The agents may inhibit the release of neurotransmitters from discrete populations of neurones and thereby reduce or preferably prevent the transmission of afferent pain signals from peripheral to central pain fibers. They comprise a galactose-binding lectin linked to a derivative of a clostridial neurotoxin. The derivative of the clostridial neurotoxin comprises the L-chain, or a fragment thereof, which includes the active proteolytic enzyme domain of the light (L) chain, linked to a molecule or domain with membrane translocating activity. The agents may be used in or as pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pain, particularly chronic pain.

A nutritional supplement composition for normalizing impaired or deteriorating neurological function in humans is composed of: at least one agent which promotes synthesis of ATP and / or creatine phosphate in the body, at least one antioxidant for scavenging free radicals in at least one pathway in the body; at least one agent for normalizing or maintaining membrane function and structure in the body; at least one agent for normalizing or maintaining normal neurotransmitter function in the body; at least one agent for down-regulating cortisol action; and at least one agent for suppressing activation of apoptotic pathways in the body. The composition may further contain one or more of: at least one agent for suppressing inflammation in the body; at least one agent for normalizing or maintaining vascular wall function and structure in the body; at least one agent for normalizing or maintaining function of nerve growth factors and / or neurotropic factors in the body; at least one agent for suppressing toxic metal ionic effects; at least one agent for normalizing or maintaining methyl metabolism in the body; at least one agent for normalizing or maintaining metabolism of insulin and glucose in the body; and at least one agent for up-regulating activity of heat shock proteins in the body. A method for normalizing impaired neurological function in humans modulating nutrient partitioning in a human involves administering the aforementioned composition to the human, preferably on a daily basis, for a therapeutically effective period of time. Preferably, the method further involves having the human follow a stress reduction program, and / or a cognitive retraining program, and / or a dietary program designed to maximize insulin and glucose metabolism.

This invention relates to a galenical gel formulation for nasal administration of neurotransmitters / neuromodulators such as dopamine, serotonin or pregnenolone and progesterone. The special lipophilic or partly lipophilic system of the invention leads to high bioavailability of the active ingredient in plasma and brain caused by sustained serum levels and / or direct or partly direct transport from nose to the brain.

One aspect of the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing two or more active agents that when taken together can be used to treat, e.g., insomnia and / or depression. The first component of the pharmaceutical composition is a GABA receptor modulating compound. The second component of the pharmaceutical composition is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, a 5-HT2A modulator, or dopamine reuptake inhibitor. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises eszopiclone. In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises eszopiclone and fluoxetine. The present invention also relates to a method of treating a sleep abnormality, treating insomnia, treating depression, augmenting antidepressant therapy, eliciting a dose-sparing effect, reducing depression relapse, improving the efficacy of antidepressant therapy or improving the tolerability of antidepressant therapy, comprising co-administering to a patient in need thereof a GABA-receptor-modulating compound; and a SRI, NRI, 5-HT2A modulator or DRI.

A variety of neural stimulation devices are disclosed. The devices comprise an uptake component comprising means for selectively transporting a stimulating species into the device; a release component comprising means for releasing the stimulating species; and means for producing a concentration gradient of a second species. The concentration gradient of the second species provides energy to transport the stimulating species into the device. The stimulating species may be an ion, e.g., a potassium ion, or a neurotransmitter. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the stimulating species is a potassium ion. In a second preferred embodiment the stimulating species is dopamine. In certain embodiments of the invention countertransport across an uptake component comprising a synthetic ABA polymer membrane is achieved using a carboxylic acid crown ether. The gradient of the second species may be provided by means of a chemical reaction that takes place inside the device. The substrate for the chemical reaction is transported into the device from the external environment. In certain embodiments the neural stimulation device comprises light-sensitive elements that comprise light-sensitive proton pumps. The proton pumps translocate protons into the device in response to light, thereby triggering release of the stimulating species. In certain embodiments the neural stimulation device comprises electronic components that receive a signal and send an activating input to the device, thereby triggering release of the stimulating species.

The present invention relates to methods for regulating neurotransmitter systems by inducing a counteradaptation response. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for regulating a neurotransmitter includes the step of repeatedly administering a ligand for a receptor in the neurotransmitter system, with a ratio of administration half-life to period between administrations of no greater than 1 / 2. The methods of the present invention may be used to address a whole host of undesirable mental and neurological conditions.

Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are primarily or at least partially driven by an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as asthma, COPD, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and the like. The invention involves the use of an energy source comprising magnetic and / or electrical energy that is transmitted non-invasively to, or in close proximity to, a selected nerve to temporarily stimulate, block and / or modulate the signals in the selected nerve such that neural pathways are activated to release inhibitory neurotransmitters in the patient's brain.

The present invention relates to a kit and an intervenously administrable preparation, both, with a signal transmitter precursor, an enhancer of precursor uptake, and an inhibitor of neurotransmitter reuptake or signal transmitter catabolism. The kit also contains an appropriate swab for obtaining oral cells suitable for allelic analysis. The intervenous formulation contains similar materials and, in some cases, ethanol. Either the kit composition or the intervenous formulation may be used as guided by a subjects allelic analysis. Collections of particular alleles, especially those relating to neural system are comprehensible in terms of likelihood of success in the administration of an interveinous formulation or ingestion of components of the subject kit.

The invention relates to an agent specific for peripheral sensory afferents. The agent may inhibit the transmission of signals between a primary sensory afferent and a projection neutron by controlling the release of at least one neurotransmitter or neuromodulator from the primary sensory afferent. The agent may be used in or as a pharmaceutical for the treatment of pain, particularly chronic pain.

Apparatus and methods for managing pain uses separate varying electromagnetic fields, with a variety of temporal and amplitude characteristics, which are applied to a particular neural structure to modulate glial and neuronal interactions as a mechanism for relieving chronic pain. In another embodiment, a single composite modulation / stimulation signal which has rhythmically varying characteristics is used to achieve the same results as separate varying electromagnetic fields. Also, disclosed is an apparatus and method for modulating the expression of genes involved in diverse pathways including inflammatory / immune system mediators, ion channels and neurotransmitters, in both the Spinal Cord (SC) and Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) where such expression modulation is caused by spinal cord stimulation or peripheral nerve stimulation using the disclosed apparatus and techniques. In one embodiment of multimodal modulation therapy, the prime signal may be monophasic, or biphasic, in which the polarity of the first phase of the biphasic prime signal may be either cathodic or anodic while the tonic signal may be either monophasic, or biphasic, with the polarity of the first phase of the biphasic tonic signal being either cathodic or anodic.

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing Distress Dysfunction by restoring and maintaining homeostatic balance in the neurotransmitter systems underlying the Stress Response and the experience of distress and hedonic tone. Distress Dysfunction refers to the experience of dysfunctional emotional and physical distress that interferes with the individual's quality of life and functioning. A novel understanding of the bimodal opioid modulation of pain, and its impact, through serotonergic, dopaminergic, epinephrinergic, and norepinephrinergic processes, on hedonic tone, leads directly to new generation pharmaceutical formulations that are remarkably safe and effective for the treatment of a wide variety of Distress Dysfunctions, including anxiety, depression, anger, insomnia, mood disorders, eating disorders, sexual problems, pain, substance and behavioral addictions, gastrointestinal disorders, autistic spectrum disorders, attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorders, and other emotional and physical distress disorders. The foundation of this discovery is the power of Receptor Switchers, such as ultra-low-dose and very-low-dose opioid antagonists and GM1 ganglioside attenuators, in blocking acute and protracted excitatory opioid receptor signaling. Co-administration of Receptor Switchers with Endorphin Enhancers, such as specific cAMP PDE inhibitors and excitatory amino acids, is an excellent formulation for restoring healthy homeostatic balance to the endogenous opioid system, using the body's endorphins to reduce emotional and physical distress, and through synergistic and homeostatic processes, restoring positive hedonic tone. The addition of Synergistic Enhancers, such as amino acids, SSRI and SNRI agents, and non-opioid analgesics, as well as Exogenous Opioids, enhances and prolongs these therapeutic benefits. The novel principles discovered by this invention also teach a new generation of safe and effective formulations for the treatment of respiratory conditions, neuropathy, and nociceptive pain.

In one embodiment, a system for electrically stimulating neural tissue of a patient and for determining neurotransmitter release in response to stimulation, the system comprises: pulse generating circuitry for generating electrical pulses; at least one electrical lead for conducting electrical pulses generated by the pulse generating circuitry to neural tissue, the at least one electrical lead comprising a plurality of electrodes; at least one electrochemical sensor for sensing an extracellular level of one or several neurotransmitters; circuitry for sampling a signal from the at least one electrochemical sensor; a controller for automatically applying stimulation to neural tissue using a plurality of electrode combinations, the controller generating data related to neurotransmitter release for each of the plurality of electrode combinations; and a display for displaying neurotransmitter release for electrode combinations to a clinician.

Patients susceptible to or suffering from disorders, such as central nervous system disorders, which are characterized by an alteration in normal neurotransmitter release, such as dopamine release (e.g., Parkinsonism, Parkinson's Disease, Tourette's Syndrome, attention deficient disorder, or schizophrenia), are treated by administering a 1-aza-2-(3-pyridyl)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, a 1-aza-2-(3-pyridyl)bicyclo[2.2.2]octane, a 1-aza-2-(3-pyridyl)bicyclo[3.2.1]octane, a 1-aza-2-(3-pyridyl)bicyclo[3.2.2]nonane, a 1-aza-7-(3-pyridyl) bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, a 1-aza-3-(3-pyridyl)bicyclo[3.2.2]nonane, or a 1-aza-7-(3-pyridyl)bicyclo[3.2.2]nonane. The compounds can exist as individual stereoisomers, racemic mixtures, diastereomers and the like.

The CEST effect for various neurotransmitters and energy metabolites in the brain and muscles and various endogenous metabolites in the liver, brain, and myocardium are imaged using MR imaging to illustrate a unique CEST effect that may be used to monitor the concentration of the metabolite and hence to characterize and monitor various disease states in the body correlated to the concentration of that metabolite. By adjusting the timing, amplitude, and length of the RF pulse as well as other parameters of the CEST pulse sequence to address the unique chemical shifts and exchange rates of the target, new targets with unique characteristics may be acquired using CEST MR imaging.

The invention discloses an implantable neural information dual-mode detection microelectrode array chip and a manufacturing method thereof, relating to a sensor technology. The implantable neural information dual-mode detection microelectrode array chip comprises a silicon probe base, a plurality of microelectrodes which are arranged in an array manner, a counter electrode, an electrochemical reference electrode, an electrophysiological reference electrode, leads, welding pads and an insulating layer. The implantable neural information dual-mode detection microelectrode array chip is manufactured by a microelectromechnical system (MEMS) process; the front end part of a silicon probe can be implanted into a nerve tissue in the body of an animal, is used for detecting a neuroelectrophysiological signal and a neurotransmitter electrochemical signal at the same time, and has a function of applying electrical stimulation to the nerve tissue. The implantable neural information dual-mode detection microelectrode array chip has integrated functions, and is applicable to in-situ and synchronous dual-mode detection on neural information and relevant researches after implantation into the body of the animal in emergency or for a long time.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting one or more analytes, for example analytes selected from the group comprising nucleic acids, metabolites, peptides, proteins, hormones, pesticides, neurotransmitters, ions in blood, electrolytes, toxic gases, pH and biological warfare agents, the apparatus comprising an insulating substrate, at least one first electrode on the substrate at least one elongate nanostructure extending from and electrically connected to the or each said electrode and extending over the surface of the wafer away from the respective electrode, a passivating layer covering the or each electrode, but not all of said at least one elongate nanostructure, a well crossing the at least one elongate nanostructure extending from the or each electrode and forming a static reservoir for a liquid being investigated for the presence of at least one analyte, a reference electrode provided on said substrate within said well or insertable into said well and respective readout pads electrically connected to the or each electrode and to the reference electrode if the latter is provided on the substrate, the at least one elongate nanostructure being capable of being functionalized for detecting one or more analytes.

Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are primarily or at least partially driven by an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as asthma, COPD, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and the like. The technology involves the use of an energy source comprising magnetic and / or electrical energy that is transmitted non-invasively to, or in close proximity to, a selected nerve to temporarily stimulate, block and / or modulate the signals in the selected nerve such that neural pathways are activated to release inhibitory neurotransmitters in the patient's brain.

The invention discloses a microelectrode array chip for multi-parameter detection of nerve cells and a preparation method thereof, relating to a sensor technology. The chip consists of seven parts including an insulating base, a microelectrode array, counter electrodes, reference electrodes, electrode leads, contacts, a superficial insulating layer and a modification material, wherein the electrodes are prepared by using a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) process, and a specific nano-composite material and enzymes are modified at fixed points on the surfaces of the electrodes. The nerve cells are cultivated on the surfaces of modified working electrodes, and by combining the counter electrodes and the reference electrodes, the microelectrode array chip can be used for detecting electrophysiological signals of the nerve cells and electrochemical signals of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, acetyl choline and the like in real time at the same time, and has a function of applying electrical stimulation to the nerve cells. The microelectrode array chip integrates functions, modifies a material at fixed points, is convenient to use, and is suitable for culturing the nerve cells and making related research on multi-parameter detection of the nerve cells in laboratories.

A method for the treatment and / or prophylaxis of a neurological and / or neuropsychiatric disorder associated with altered dopamine function comprising administering to the eye of a patient in need thereof an effective amount of an agent that modulates neurotransmitter production or function.

The invention relates to the technical field of microorganism, and discloses a Lactobacillus reuteri and its application. The preservation number of the Lactobacillus reuteri CCFM8631 is CGMCC No.14394; the level of mice peripheral neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine can be significantlyimproved; the rise of the mice peripheral blood testonsterone level and the abundant abnormity of Blautia, Turicibacter, Oscillospira and Bifidobacterium in the intestinal flora by high glucose and high fatty diets are recovered; the tolerated simulative gastrointestinal fluid is rapidly planted in an intestinal tract, so as to significantly improve the pathological injury of metabolic syndrome mice liver and duodenum and rise of triglyceride and total cholesterol content in the serum by high glucose and high fatty diets are significantly improved; the Lactobacillus reuteri can be used for preventing, delaying or treating metabolic disorder such as metabolic syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and anxiety, depression and other metal diseases related to irritable bowel syndrome.

Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are primarily or at least partially driven by an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as asthma, COPD, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and the like. The invention involves the use of an energy source comprising magnetic and / or electrical energy that is transmitted non-invasively to, or in close proximity to, a selected nerve to temporarily stimulate, block and / or modulate the signals in the selected nerve such that neural pathways are activated to release inhibitory neurotransmitters in the patient's brain.

A carboxylic acid compound having cyclopropane ring(s) of the formula (I): wherein R is alkyl or alkenyl optionally having one or more 1,2-cyclopropylene in a carbon chain and / or optionally having cyclopropyl at the end of a chain, X is a single bond or alkylene, wherein the total number of carbon less the number of cyclopropane ring is 10-25, and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof are provided. The compound (I) shows an LTP-like potentiation of synaptic transmission, allows slow metabolism in the living body, shows a stable LTP-like potentiation of synaptic transmission, and is useful as an agent for LTP-like potentiation of synaptic transmission, a cognition-enhancing drug or an agent for the prophylaxis and treatment of dementia, a learning and memory disorder and a neurotransmitter release disorder.

Aryl alkanol piperazine derivatives of the formula and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same. Also disclosed are methods for treating depression using the pharmaceutical compositon. Compounds of the invention have excellent dual inhibitory actions to the uptake of the mono-amines neurotransmitter, good antidepressant activities and minor side effects.

The present disclosure is directed to methods and compositions for ameliorating, preventing and treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The invention aims to treat subjects suffering from, susceptible to, or diagnosed with CNS disorders, and in particular, to treating patients suffering from those disorders which are associated with neurotransmitter system dysfunction.