title: Methotrexate delivery to the eye using transscleral hydrogel iontophoresis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate methotrexate penetration and distribution profile in ocular structures after short low current transscleral hydrogel iontophoresis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Methotrexate iontophoresis was studied in rabbits using drug-loaded hydrogels mounted on a portable iontophoretic device. Drug distribution profile was evaluated 2, 4, and 8 hours after iontophoretic treatment of 1.6 mA/cm2 for 4 min. Ocular drug levels were also determined two hours after iontophoretic treatment of 5 mA/cm2, compared to mock iontophoresis and intravitreal injection of methotrexate.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Therapeutic drug levels were maintained for at least 8 h at the sclera and retina and for 2 h at the aqueous humor following the iontophoretic treatment. After increasing the current density, a twice-higher concentration was achieved at the vitreous and 8 to 20 time higher concentrations at the retina and sclera.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A short low current non-invasive iontophoretic treatment using methotrexate-loaded hydrogels has a potential clinical value in treating ocular inflammatory diseases and intraocular lymphoma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors.forename: Esther
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Eljarrat-Binstock
authors.forename: Abraham J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Domb
authors.forename: Faik
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Orucov
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Frucht-Pery
authors.forename: Jacob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pe'er
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D001082:Aqueous Humor / Q000378:metabolism; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005493:Folic Acid Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007478:Iontophoresis; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D011817:Rabbits; D012160:Retina / Q000378:metabolism; D012590:Sclera / Q000378:metabolism*; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D005493:Folic Acid Antagonists; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D008727:Methotrexate