title: Intra-articular microparticles for drug delivery to the TMJ.
abstract: This study describes the in vivo biocompatibility of intra-articular poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticle (MP) formulations in the rat temporomandibular joint (TMJ). To our knowledge, this is the first intra-articular microparticle-based drug delivery system for the TMJ. The impact of PLGA MP concentration on rat TMJ function was quantified via computerized meal pattern analysis; in this non-invasive technique, previously validated markers of TMJ pain or nociception (specifically, meal duration and food intake) were recorded by computer-monitored pellet feeders. Bilateral intra-articular injection of 15, 30, or 50 mg/mL PLGA MPs had no impact on meal duration or food intake over 6 days, compared with controls that did not receive injections. Histological analysis showed that the MPs were retained within the synovial lining. These findings indicate that the PLGA MPs described herein are biocompatible and suitable for intra-articular delivery to the rat TMJ, a finding that has significant implications for the improvement of TMJ therapeutics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, PO Box 1892, MS 142, Houston, TX 77251-1892, USA.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Mountziaris
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Sing
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Mikos
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Kramer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004435:Eating / Q000502:physiology; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000145:classification; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D010316:Particle Size; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000145:classification; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid