COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND SYNAPTIC PLASTICITY

摘要

The present invention provides compositions and methods for enhancing cognitive function and synaptic plasticity. According to the method, Ca++ influx into excitatory neurons (nerve cells) is decreased by treatment with a number of different agents including divalent cations (e.g., Mg++), GABAB agonists, GABAA agonists, calcium channel blockers, and/or compounds that decrease action potential firing such as sodium channel blockers. Decreasing Ca++ influx results in increased synaptic plasticity and enhanced cognitive function. In particular, decreasing Ca++ influx associated with uncorrelated neural activity results in long-lasting increases in synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. This is achieved by administration of agents that cause a voltage-dependent block of NMDA receptors (e.g., divalent cations such as Mg++) or by administration of GABAB agonists such as baclofen. The invention further provides screening methods useful in identifying compounds that enhance synaptic plasticity and cognitive function.