Transplantation of cells into the nasal cavity and the subarachnoid cranial space

Abstract

A method of transplanting cells into a subject is disclosed. The method comprises transplanting the cells into the paranasal sinus of the subject or the subarachnoid cavity situated between the frontal bone of skull and the olfactory bulb of the subject. Devices for paranasal sinus transplantation and subarachnoid cavity transplantation are also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of treating a neurodegenerative disorder in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of insulin secreting cells into the nasal cavity of the subject or into the subarachnoid cavity, thereby treating the subject. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cells are pancreatic beta cells. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cells are cell aggregates. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said aggregates are greater than 50 microns in diameter. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cells comprise genetically modified cells. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cells are seeded on a scaffold prior to the administering. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising inserting a scaffold into the nasal cavity or the subarachnoid cavity prior to the administering. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cells comprise immunoisolated cells. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cells are autologous to said subject. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cells are non-autologous to said subject. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said nasal cavity comprises a paranasal sinus. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said paranasal sinus is selected from the group consisting of the maxillary sinuses, frontal sinuses, ethmoid sinuses, and the sphenoid sinuses. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering is effected by endoscopy. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering into said subarachnoid cavity is performed between the frontal bone of the skull and the olfactory bulb of the subject. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering into said subarachnoid cavity is performed such that at least 20% of said cells localize to the olfactory bulb of the subject. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cells are liver cells.