Histological study of tissue reaction to the microfluidic meshwork in comparison with AGV 3 months post implantation.

<p><b>A.</b> capsule beneath the plate of AGV; <b>B.</b> minimal reaction to the meshwork in rabbit 1, inset figure is a magnified view to a single channel of the meshwork (400x); <b>C.</b> minimal reaction to the meshwork in rabbit 2; <b>D.</b> minimal reaction to the meshwork in rabbit 3. Arrows in B, C and D is to delineate the meshwork.</p

Gross section of tissue reactions to the microfluidic meshwork in comparison with AGV 3 months post implantation.

<p><b>A.</b> AGV <b>B.</b> microfluidic meshwork. Inset figures are magnified views of the microfluidic meshwork.</p

Proposed concept of a new GDI.

<p>Plate of the GDI is replaced by the microfluidic meshwork.</p

Images of the microfluidic meshwork.

<p>A. on a substrate. B. Zoom-in view of the mesh grids. Arrows denote the fluid outlets. Scale bars: 500 μm and 100 μm.</p

Gene Expression Profiling of Transporters in the Solute Carrier and ATP-Binding Cassette Superfamilies in Human Eye Substructures

The barrier epithelia of the cornea and retina control drug and nutrient access to various compartments of the human eye. While ocular transporters are likely to play a critical role in homeostasis and drug delivery, little is known about their expression, localization and function. In this study, the mRNA expression levels of 445 transporters, metabolic enzymes, transcription factors and nuclear receptors were profiled in five regions of the human eye: cornea, iris, ciliary body, choroid and retina. Through RNA expression profiling and immunohistochemistry, several transporters were identified as putative targets for drug transport in ocular tissues. Our analysis identified <i>SLC22A7</i> (OAT2), a carrier for the antiviral drug acyclovir, in the corneal epithelium, in addition to <i>ABCG2</i> (BCRP), an important xenobiotic efflux pump, in retinal nerve fibers and the retinal pigment epithelium. Collectively, our results provide an understanding of the transporters that serve to maintain ocular homeostasis and which may be potential targets for drug delivery to deep compartments of the eye