title: Slow release of insulin from a biodegradable matrix implanted in diabetic rats.
abstract: This report describes the development of a long-acting insulin accomplished by the slow release of hormone from an implantable, biodegradable matrix. Rats made diabetic with streptozotocin received a single subcutaneous implant of insulin-albumin microbeads that released biologically active insulin for periods up to 3 wk. The mean fasting blood glucose level for treated animals was 88 mg/dl as compared with 392 mg/dl for untreated diabetic controls. With a mean starting body weight of 187 g, treated animals gained weight reaching a mean weight of 228 g; in contrast, untreated animals lost weight to a mean of 175 g. When insulin-albumin microbeads were periodically implanted and removed, lower blood glucose levels were only associated with the presence of the implants. The microbead implants biodegraded in 4-8 wk, thus obviating the need for surgical removal. These results suggest that a long-acting insulin may be produced by the entrapment of insulin within a biodegradable matrix.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004343:Drug Implants; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004343:Drug Implants; D007328:Insulin; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine