Therapeutic Potential of a Polymer-Encapsulated L-Dopa and Dopamine-Producing Cell Line in Rodent and Primate Models of Parkinson's Disease

Cell Transplantation

Original Contribution

Dwaine F. Emerich¹  Mark D. Lindner² 

[1] Alkermes Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139;CytoTherapeutics Inc., Lincoln, RI 02865;

关键词: Encapsulation technology;    Parkinson's disease;    Animal models;    Cell line;    Transplantation;    Potential efficacy;   

DOI  :  10.1177/096368979800700211

来源: Sage Journals

【 摘 要 】

Encapsulation of cells within polymer membranes prior to transplantation provides a novel means of achieving continuous, site-specific delivery of therapeutic molecules to the CNS. The use of encapsulated dopamine-secreting cells that can be transplanted directly into the striatum has particular appeal for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. This article provides a brief and timely review of the progress that has been made over the past decade using encapsulated PC12 cells as a means of delivering dopamine and l-DOPA to the striatum in rodent and primate models of Parkinson's disease. The polymer membranes are well tolerated and biocompatible. Encapsulated PC12 cells survive in vivo for up to 6 mo, they release dopamine into the surrounding host striatum, and they clearly improve behavioral function in both dopamine-depleted rodents and primates. Although these results are promising, fundamental issues remain concerning the extent of dopamine diffusion from the polymer membranes and the number of devices needed for behavioral improvement, and the duration and consistency of cell viability and device output. Nevertheless, this technology appears to be a promising means of avoiding many of the practical, societal, and ethical issues that have been associated with other transplantation approaches.

【 授权许可】

Unknown   
© 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.