RELEASE OF RADIOACTIVE STEROIDS FROM DRIED DOWN HYDROGELS OF POLYURETHANE NETWORKS

The polyurethane networks were based on poly(ethylene glycol) 6000 (PE G), crosslinked with 1,1,1-tris(hydroxy methyl)ethane and with the sto ichiometric equivalence of hexamethylene diisocyanate. Radioactive ste roids were incorporated into cylindrical hydrogels over a wide range o f compositions. The release profiles were drawn from dried down hydrog el of polyurethane networks. The scintillation counter was used for th e release study of steroids after different intervals. In vivo, the lo aded hydrogels were implanted into rats. The results for constant rele ase studies were recorded. (C) 1995 John Wiley and Sons, Inc.