Abstract: Provided here are arylpiperazine pharmacophore compositions that mitigate levodopa-induced dyskinesia and significantly improve Parkinson's disease-like symptoms. These dopamine D3 receptor ligands have high affinity and selectivity, are orally active, and have desirable drug-like properties.

Abstract: A method for isolating self-renewable stem cells from pluripotent stem cells (embryonic or induced) by treating the pluripotent stem cells with a combination of epidermal growth factor and basic growth factor, wherein upon treatment, the pluripotent stem cells differentiate into self-renewable neural stem cells. The self-renewable stem cells may be further induced to dopaminergic neurons through treatment with dopaminergic inducing media. The dopaminergic neurons may be administered in a cell suspension, alone or in combination with purified glial cells, directly into the brain tissue of patients suffering from neurological disorders.

Abstract: A multi-module or single-module cannula device for delivery of stems cells. The multi-module device has at least two cannulas of increasing diameter with larger cannulas encasing smaller cannulas. The single-module device has at least two cannula sections of increasing diameter. Both the multi-module and single-module devices have a first cannula (multi-module) or cannula section (single module) that has an injection end and an attachment end, both of which may be tapered or straight or one of each. The injection end is used for direct entry of the cannula device into a stem cell injection site and the attachment end is used to attach a medical attachment that is used to pump the cells through the device to the injection site. The increasing diameter of the cannulas or cannula sections of the device prevent backflow of the cells onto the exterior of the device. The device maybe used to deliver stem cells to a patient that is undergoing an MRI scan.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the derivation of neural stem cells (NSCs) from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and the use of the NSCs for treatment of various neural disorders. The NSCs that are derived from the ESCs are tissue-specific multipotent NSCs with a stable growth rate, unlimited self-renewal capacity, and a predictable differentiation profile. Being both non-tumorigenic and engraftable, the NSCs of the present invention have utility in repopulation stroke-damaged tissue. The NSCs of the present invention may be differentiated to produce tyrosine-hydroxylase expressing neurons, which may be used as a source of dopaminergic neurons for subjects suffering from a condition characterized by dopaminergic dysfunction, such as Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the derivation of neural stem cells (NSCs) from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and the use of the NSCs for treatment of various neural disorders. The NSCs that are derived from the ESCs are tissue-specific multipotent NSCs with a stable growth rate, unlimited self-renewal capacity, and a predictable differentiation profile. Being both non-tumorigenic and engraftable, the NSCs of the present invention have utility in repopulation stroke-damaged tissue. The NSCs of the present invention may be differentiated to produce tyrosine-hydroxylase expressing neurons, which may be used as a source of dopaminergic neurons for subjects suffering from a condition characterized by dopaminergic dysfunction, such as Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: A method of treating Alzheimer's disease provides for administering NSC to a susceptible individual. Preferably the NSCs are administered intracisternally. Other administration routes are spinal injection, ventricular injection or systemic injection. Preferably, the quantity of NSC administered is in a range of about 400,000 to about 40,000,000. More preferably, the quantity of NSC is about 1,000,000 to about 10,000,000. The NSCs are administered at multiple locations. The NSCs can be administered to the neocortex or other affected areas of both hemispheres. The method of preventing further deterioration in cognitive function in a person diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease provides for administering NSC to the person in sufficient quantity to prevent additional loss of cognitive function.