New trends in ocular drug delivery research will be discussed. Our knowledge of the function of uveal melanocytes has increased steadily in the past few years. Recent studies showed that uveal melanocytes work not only as a photoscreen, but also produce or eliminate various cytokines, growth factors, plasminogen activators, matrix metalloproteinases and immunosuppressive substances. Melanin acts as a free radical scavenger and antioxidant, particaptes the regulation of nitric oxide levels. Melanin-associated antigen can induce experimental autoimmune uveitis.
Melanocytes accumulate certain drugs to affect their action.
Therefore, melanocytes may modulate ocular circulation, govern immune reaction, inflammatory and europrotective processes, and play an important role in ocular physiology, pathology, pharmacology and toxicology. This program will summarize current knowledge of these aspects and discuss future directions of work in this field. This SIG will emphasize audience participation after brief presentations. It is attended by junior faculty of academic institutions and other interested parties.