Compositions and methods for enhancing the biological response to chemical agents and physical stimuli

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions and methods configured to deliver a stimulus (e.g., a therapeutic agent or a therapeutically beneficial signal) to a cell, tissue, organ, or organism. The stimulus is applied at least twice, and the first and second applications are separated by a rest period in which no further stimulus is actively applied. The rest period is of a duration (e.g., about 1-6 hours) sufficient to provoke an enhanced response to the second stimulus.

1 . A medical device configured to deliver a chemical agent or a physical stimulus to a cell, tissue, organ, or organism, wherein the agent or the stimulus is physiologically acceptable and the device comprises:
 a compartment containing the chemical agent or a means for delivering the physical stimulus to the cell, tissue, organ, or organism; and   a mechanism that regulates the release of the agent or the delivery of the stimulus from the device, wherein the mechanism allows a first release for about one second to about one hour, prohibits release for at least or about the next 1-6 hours, and then allows a second release for about one second to about one hour.   
     
     
         2 - 35 . (canceled)