In vivo delivery of neurotransmitters by implanted, encapsulated cells
AssigneeBrown University Research Foundation
InventorsPatrick Aebischer, Shelley R. Winn, Pierre M. Galletti
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Abstract
Methods and devices are disclosed for the delivery of a neurotransmitter from an implanted, neurotransmitter-secreting cell culture to a target region in a subject. The cell culture is maintained within a biocompatible, semipermeable membrane which permits the diffusion of the neurotransmitter therethrough while excluding viruses, antibodies, and other detrimental agents present in the external environment from gaining access. Implantable cell culture devices are disclosed, some of which may be retrieved from the subject, replaced or recharged with new, neurotransmitter-secreting cell cultures, and reimplanted.
Claims24
A method of delivering a neurotransmitter to a subject afflicted with a neurotransmitter deficiency comprising the steps of:
- encapsulating at least one neurotransmitter-secreting cell within a semipermeable membrane, said membrane allowing the diffusion of the neurotransmitter therethrough while excluding viruses, antibodies and other detrimental agents present in the external environmental;
- and
- implanting said encapsulated cell into a target region within a subject's brain, such that the encapsulated cell secretes the neurotransmitter and thereby provide constitutive delivery of the neurotransmitter to the target region to treat the deficiency.
A cell culture device for implantation within a subject for the constitutive delivery of a neurotransmitter to a target area of said subject, said device comprising:
- a semipermeable membrane permitting the diffusion of the neurotransmitter therethrough, while excluding viruses, antibodies, and other detrimental agents present in the external environment;
- and
- at least one neurotransmitter-secreting cell disposed within the membrane, said cell being capable of secreting neurotransmitter without direct neuronal contact with said target area.
The device of claim 14 wherein said semipermeable membrane is permeable to solutes having a molecular weight of up to about 50,000 daltons.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.