Cognitive neuropharmacology: New perspectives for the pharmacology of cognition

Taking its roots both in neuropharmacology and in cognitive science, cognit ive neuropharmacology is an emerging approach in the field of psychopharmac ology. It attempts to use theoretical knowledge to understand the biochemic al bases of cognition and the mode of action of the commonly used drugs and to find new brain-targeted therapeutics. The aim of the present article is to throw up the main characteristics of this way of research. It is define d in comparison with its neighbouring approaches and by presenting its own rationale. Its particular methods mainly concern the animal modelling of th e highest human cognitive functions and the original means of intra-cerebra l drug administration. Finally, we present an illustrative example of a stu dy in cognitive neuropharmacology and propose further perspectives. (C) 200 0 Academic Press.