title: Preparation and evaluation of biodegradable polymeric systems for the intra-articular delivery of drugs.
abstract: Colloidal suspensions of four biodegradable polymers, polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylcyanoacrylate (PBCA), gelatin (PG) and albumin (PA) were prepared within the size range 1-10 micron. In-vivo biocompatibility tests with synovial tissues were carried out to assess the irritancy of the polymers following intra-articular injection into rabbit knee joints. PLA, PBCA and PG were found to cause joint inflammation whereas PA was well tolerated by the tissues. PA microspheres may provide a means of sustaining the release and reducing the rate of clearance of drugs from the knee joint.
mesh_terms: D000418:Albumins; D000818:Animals; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D005780:Gelatin; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular / Q000379:methods*; D010316:Particle Size; D010587:Phagocytosis; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011108:Polymers / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011817:Rabbits
chemical_list: D000418:Albumins; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D011108:Polymers; D005780:Gelatin