title: Tacrolimus-loaded PLGA implants: in vivo release and ocular toxicity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the in vivo release and ocular toxicity of a tacrolimus-loaded PLGA intravitreal implant.
  
  
  METHODS
  Tacrolimus-loaded PLGA implants were inserted into the vitreous cavity of rabbits' eye. At different time points, the vitreous was retrieved and the concentration of tacrolimus released from the implants was determined. Clinical examination was performed to evaluate the implant tolerance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  PLGA implants provided controlled and prolonged release of tacrolimus. Approximately 99.97% of the drug was released from the devices at 6 weeks. Ophthalmic examination revealed no evidence of toxic effects of implants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tolerance and feasibility of the tacrolimus-loaded PLGA implants, as sustained intraocular drug delivery systems, were demonstrated.
authors: Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais , Minas Gerais , Brazil .
authors: Marcela C M
authors: MC
authors: Souza
authors: Sílvia L
authors: SL
authors: Fialho
authors: Pedro A F
authors: PA
authors: Souza
authors: Gustavo O
authors: GO
authors: Fulgêncio
authors: Gisele R
authors: GR
authors: Da Silva
authors: Armando
authors: A
authors: Silva-Cunha
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity; D002829:Choroid / Q000187:drug effects; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000009:adverse effects; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity; D058449:Intravitreal Injections; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000633:toxicity*; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid / Q000633:toxicity*; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011817:Rabbits; D012160:Retina / Q000187:drug effects; D012590:Sclera / Q000187:drug effects; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity*; D014605:Uveitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid; D016559:Tacrolimus