Abstract: A method of preparing a syringe in connection with a therapeutic treatment is disclosed. The method can include removing a plunger of the syringe from a barrel of the syringe, aligning the barrel in a horizontal orientation, filling a lumen of the barrel with a viscous material through an opening at a proximal end of the barrel, and inserting a plunger tip into the lumen to seal the lumen. The method can also include attaching an implantation device to a hub coupled to the barrel at a distal end of the barrel. The method can also include depressing the plunger until the cell suspension fills the implantation device and a droplet of the cell suspension is expelled from a distal tip of the implantation device.

Abstract: A method of preparing a syringe in connection with a therapeutic treatment is disclosed. The method can include removing a plunger of the syringe from a barrel of the syringe, aligning the barrel in a horizontal orientation, filling a lumen of the barrel with a viscous material through an opening at a proximal end of the barrel, and inserting a plunger tip into the lumen to seal the lumen. The method can also include attaching an implantation device to a hub coupled to the barrel at a distal end of the barrel. The method can also include depressing the plunger until the cell suspension fills the implantation device and a droplet of the cell suspension is expelled from a distal tip of the implantation device.

Abstract: A method of preparing a syringe in connection with a therapeutic treatment is disclosed. The method can include removing a plunger of the syringe from a barrel of the syringe, aligning the barrel in a horizontal orientation, filling a lumen of the barrel with a viscous material through an opening at a proximal end of the barrel, and inserting a plunger tip into the lumen to seal the lumen. The method can also include attaching an implantation device to a hub coupled to the barrel at a distal end of the barrel. The method can also include depressing the plunger until the cell suspension fills the implantation device and a droplet of the cell suspension is expelled from a distal tip of the implantation device.

Abstract: A method of improving the survival of neuronal cells has the steps of obtaining a frozen cellular composition comprising neuronal cells; thawing the cellular composition; and contacting the cellular composition with a balanced electrolyte solution including a lithium salt. One example of a lithium salt is lithium chloride. Also is provided a kit comprising a container of with a cellular composition comprising neuronal cells and a container of a diluent comprising a balanced electrolyte solution and a lithium salt.

Abstract: Differentiated neuronal cells suitable for transplantation in individuals with a dopamine deficiency are derived from progenitor cells. The progenitor cells are treated with at least one inducing agent such as retinoic acid for a time period sufficient to optimize expression of tyrosine hydroxylase. The cells intended for transplantation are optionally treated with a lithium salt to enhance bcl-2 production and survival. Optionally, the progenitor cells are co-cultured with Sertoli cells, bone marrow stem cells, or a combination thereof. The transplantation-ready cells are isolated and harvested. The resulting neuronal cells are purified and have a phenotype optimized to treat a dopaminergic deficiency, such as Parkinson's Disease. Optionally the neuronal cells can be implanted with Sertoli cells, bone marrow stem cells or a combination thereof.

Abstract: One or more amino acid residues within the reactive site region of protease nexin-I are altered in order to create analogs or variants of protease nexin-I. These analogs have substantially different protease specificities as well as different effects on regulating the activity of proteolytic enzymes which enzymes have substantial effects on a number of different physiological functions. Formulations containing the protease nexin-I variants and methods for administering these formulations to obtain desirable therapeutic results are disclosed.

Abstract: One or more amino acid residues within the reactive site region of protease nexin-I are altered in order to create analogs or variants or protease nexin-I. These analogs have substantially different protease specificities as well as different effects on regulating the activity of proteolytic enzymes which enzymes have substantial effects on a number of different physiological functions. Formulations containing the protease nexin-I variants and methods for administering these formulations to obtain desirable therapeutic results are disclosed.