Abstract
5-fluorouracil is a useful new treatment modality for failed filtering bleb glaucoma. However, its use is attended by corneal complication. A new delivery system was studied in normal white rabbits to reduce the dose and frequency of 5-Fluorouracil administration. We developed 3 types of Drug Delivery System (DDS), (1) collagen rods containing 10% 5-FU, (2) 5-FU suppositories wrapped with ribbon gut, and (3) 20% 5-FU suppositories in collagen tubes. These were implanted underthe conjunctiva and the concentration of 5-FU conjunctiva and the concentrationof 5-FU contained in the conjunctiva (superior and inferior), sclera (superior and inferior), cornea, lens, aquaous humor, iris, vitreous body and blood were analyzed at intervals up to 4 weeks after implantation, by either bioassay or HPLC method. At the implant site of (3) type DDS (5-FU 2mg), conjunctival tissue was found to contain 2.70μg/g of 5-FU after 4 weeks. After 2 weeks, microscope revealed a reduction in the number of scleral fibroblast. After 2 weeks specular microscope showed a reduction in the number of cornealendothelial cells, but after 4 weeks, the number was recovered.
