Cyclosporin implants: When and why?

摘要

Cyclosporin (CsA) implants (CsA ocular sustained release medication devices) are used in the treatment of equine recurrent uveitis (ERU). CsA is an immunosuppressive drug which blocks interleukin-2 transcription through the inhibition of calcineurin and impairs proliferation of activated T-helper and T-cytotoxic cells. The devices are surgically implanted into the suprachoroidal space (between the ciliary body and the sclera) and allow a constant therapeutic level of CsA to be delivered to the site of action within the eye (the uveal tract), effectively bypassing some of the blood ocular barriers, and eliminating the need to rely on owner compliance in treating the horse. The release rates of CsA allow high concentrations to be reached within the eye without any systemic toxicity. The theoretical depletion of CsA from the imDlant is 3.2 years.