METHODS OF DETECTING NEUROTOXIN USING SYNAPTIC ACTIVITY

摘要

The present invention relates to methods of detecting neurotoxin in a sample. The methods of the present invention are highly sensitive and specific, rapid, and clinically relevant with minimal cost. The methods of the present invention use isolated neurons capable of networked synaptic activity, which allows each step of the natural toxin intoxication process to occur, mimicking the clinical manifestation of toxin intoxication. This networked synaptic activity provides rapid and highly sensitive neurotoxin detection. The methods are also directed to detecting neurotoxin neutralizing agents and neurotoxin identity.

主权项

1. A method of detecting neurotoxin in a sample, the method comprising:
a. identifying a sample potentially exposed to neurotoxin; b. providing an isolated neuron population, wherein the neuron population is capable of network synaptic activity; c. measuring a first synaptic activity of the neuron population; d. contacting the sample to the neuron population; e. measuring a second synaptic activity of the neuron population; f. comparing the measured synaptic activities; and, g. correlating a change in synaptic activity with neurotoxin detection, wherein a decrease in synaptic activity is correlated with the presence of neurotoxin in the sample, wherein no change in synaptic activity is correlated with the absence of neurotoxin in the sample, and wherein an increase in synaptic activity is correlated with the absence of neurotoxin in the sample.