Delivery of macromolecules across oral mucosa from polymeric hydrogels is enhanced by electrophoresis (iontophoresis).

Objective: To develop polymeric hydrogel delivery systems for iontophorseis transfer of large molecules across buccal (porcine) mucosa.

Methods: Three hydrogels (PVA, HPMC and PVA/HPMC) were prepared as stable gels (7 mm diameter/1.5 mm thick).

Electrically induced transport of macromolecules through oral buccal mucosa.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of iontophoretic delivery of large molecules across buccal mucosa, and to establish its potential for enhanced drug delivery.

Methods: Qualitative (6h) and quantitative (8 and 36 h) assessment of porcine buccal mucosa, using a diffusion cell in vitro model, was carried out by fluorescent microscopy and UV/Vis spectroscopy respectively, with four fluorescently-labeled model species (3 and 10 kDa dextrans, 12 kDa parvalbumin and 66 kDa bovine serum albumin, BSA). Passive and iontophoresis parameters were obtained.

Candida albicans strain-dependent modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine release by in vitro oral and vaginal mucosal models.

Candida albicans is a commensal organism at several sites and is a versatile, opportunistic pathogen. The underlying factors of pathogen and host associated with commensalism and pathogenicity in C. albicans are complex and their importance is largely unknown.

An altered keratinocyte phenotype in oral submucous fibrosis: correlation of keratin K17 expression with disease severity.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is characterized by abnormal collagen metabolism in the submucosal connective tissue. Its influence on the overlying epithelium is not known but about 14% of OSF cases undergo malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma indicating association with abnormality of the epithelium. Here, we have defined the keratin expression profile, by immunohistochemistry and quantitative image analysis, using a panel of 22 anti-keratin monoclonal antibodies on 28 OSF samples.