Claims
- 1. A method for delivering nerve growth factor to the central nervous system of a mammalian host, the method comprising implanting at least one biocompatible capsule into the host, each capsule comprising
- (a) a core comprising living cells secreting a dosage of nerve growth factor effective for preventing degeneration of, or inducing sprouting of, cholinergic basal forebrain neurons, and
- (b) a biocompatible jacket surrounding the core, the jacket comprising a permselective membrane permitting passage of nerve growth factor thereacross into the host.
- 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the cells are xenogeneic to the host.
- 3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the cells are BHK cells wherein said cells are transfected with the gene encoding human nerve growth factor.
- 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the jacket material is selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates, polyvinylidenes, polyvinylchloride copolymers, polyurethanes, polystyrenes, polyamides, cellulose acetates, cellulose nitrates, polysulfones, polyphosphazenes, polyacrilonitriles, poly(acrilonitrile/covinyl chloride), and derivatives, copolymers and mixtures thereof.
- 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the jacket is shaped to form a hollow fiber.
- 6. The method of claim 1 wherein between one and six capsules are implanted in the central nervous system of the host.
- 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the neurons are trkA-positive neurons or p75-positive neurons.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This is a continuation-in-part of copending Patent Cooperation Treaty application Ser. No. PCT/US/94/09299, filed Aug. 12, 1994, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/105,278, filed Aug. 12, 1993, now abandoned.
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Continuation in Parts (1)
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Number |
Date |
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Parent |
105278 |
Aug 1993 |
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