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  • Polymeric nanoparticles augment the ocular hypotensive effect of melatonin in rabbits.

Polymeric nanoparticles augment the ocular hypotensive effect of melatonin in rabbits.

International journal of pharmaceutics (2012-10-20)
Teresa Musumeci, Claudio Bucolo, Claudia Carbone, Rosario Pignatello, Filippo Drago, Giovanni Puglisi
PMID23078856
ABSTRACT

Melatonin, a neurohormone secreted by the pineal gland, is able to modulate intraocular pressure (IOP). The aim of this study was to generate nanoparticle (NPs) sustained release formulations that allow to extend the pre-corneal residence time of melatonin, thus prolonging its pharmacological effects. Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and PLGA-poly(ethylenglycole) (PEG) nanoparticles (NPs) were used to prepare the new melatonin formulations. Mean particle diameter and zeta potential, determined after freeze-drying in the presence of glucose as a cryoprotectant, ranged between 100 and 400 nm and -32.2/-8.2 mV, respectively for PLGA and PLGA-PEG NPs. Melatonin loading ranged between 44% and 80%. DSC analysis showed a homogeneous molecular dispersion of the drug in the NPs matrix. The hypotensive effect was evaluated by measuring IOP during 24h after instillation in the rabbit eye, in comparison with a melatonin aqueous solution at the same concentration (0.08%, w/v). The tested NPs showed good ocular tolerability in rabbit eye using biomicroscopy. Melatonin-loaded PLGA-PEG NPs were the most effective in reducing IOP up to 8h (maximum IOP reduction: 5 mmHg).

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description
739960
Sigma-Aldrich
Resomer® RG 505, Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), ester terminated, Mw 54,000-69,000
P2066
Sigma-Aldrich
Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), lactide:glycolide 65:35, Mw 40,000-75,000
P1941
Sigma-Aldrich
Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), lactide:glycolide (75:25), mol wt 66,000-107,000
P2191
Sigma-Aldrich
Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), lactide:glycolide (50:50), mol wt 30,000-60,000
719927
Sigma-Aldrich
Resomer® RG 756 S, Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), ester terminated, lactide:glycolide 75:25, Mw 76,000-115,000
739979
Sigma-Aldrich
Resomer® RG 858 S, Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), ester terminated, lactide:glycolide 85:15, Mw 190,000-240,000
739952
Sigma-Aldrich
Resomer® RG 503, Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), lactide:glycolide 50:50, ester terminated, Mw 24,000-38,000
739944
Sigma-Aldrich
Resomer® RG 504, Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), lactide:glycolide 50:50, ester terminated, Mw 38,000-54,000
719897
Sigma-Aldrich
Resomer® RG 502 H, Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), acid terminated, viscosity 0.16-0.24 dL/g 
719889
Sigma-Aldrich
Resomer® RG 502, Poly(D,L-Lactide-co-Glycolide), lactide:glycolide 50:50, ester terminated, Mw 7,000-17,000
430471
Sigma-Aldrich
Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), ester terminated, Mw 50,000-75,000