Abstract |
We evaluated nail-like, biodegradable scleral implants as a controlled intraocular delivery system of betamethasone phosphate (BP) for the treatment of chronic uveitis using pigmented rabbits. The scleral implants, which contained 10% and 25% of BP (weight 8.5 mg; length 5 mm), were made of poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA). In vivo release and retinal toxicity after implantation were also studied in pigmented rabbits. The in vitro release studies demonstrated the 10% and 25% BP-loaded scleral implants released BP in a biphasic release pattern for at least 1 month. The BP concentrations in the vitreous and the retina/choroid after application of scleral implants in pigmented rabbit eyes stayed within the concentration range capable of suppressing inflammatory responses for over 1 month. The BP concentration was greater in the retina/choroid than in the vitreous throughout the study. No substantial toxic reactions in the retina were observed by electroretinography. Our findings suggest that the BP-loaded scleral implant may be a promising device for treatment of chronic uveitis.
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Authors | N Kunou, Y Ogura, Y Honda, S H Hyon, Y Ikada |
Journal | Journal of biomedical materials research
(J Biomed Mater Res)
Vol. 51
Issue 4
Pg. 635-41
(Sep 15 2000)
ISSN: 0021-9304 [Print] United States |
PMID | 10880111
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Biocompatible Materials
- Drug Implants
- Glucocorticoids
- betamethasone sodium phosphate
- Betamethasone
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Topics |
- Animals
- Betamethasone
(administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives, pharmacokinetics, toxicity)
- Biocompatible Materials
- Biodegradation, Environmental
- Chronic Disease
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Drug Implants
- Electroretinography
- Eye
(drug effects, metabolism)
- Glucocorticoids
(administration & dosage, pharmacokinetics, toxicity)
- In Vitro Techniques
- Materials Testing
- Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
- Rabbits
- Sclera
- Uveitis
(drug therapy)
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