ENCAPSULATED CELLS FOR SUSTAINED NEUROTRANSMITTER DELIVERY TO THE CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM

Recent studies evaluating the therapeutic usefulness of an implantable , bioartificial prosthesis for treating Central Nervous System (CNS) d isorders are reviewed. A description of the implant along with advanta ges over conventional technology is presented. Experimental evidence f rom in vitro and in vivo experiments suggests the potential usefulness of this approach in the treatment of such CNS disorders as Parkinson' s disease and chronic pain that may be treated by the sustained releas e of one or more neuroactive agents in a specific location.