Artikel
Update Neuroprotection
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Autoren
Veröffentlicht: | 22. September 2004 |
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Gliederung
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Objective
The term "neuroprotection" is increasingly considered relevant in the therapy of glaucoma, because it comprises attempts to protect neuronal cells. It is very relevant in view of estimated more than 65 million people worldwide affected by glaucoma.
Methods
In this review neuroprotetive approaches will be summarized which may be of importance for the many patients who do not respond to treatments currently available. In addition, some animal models will be presented in which neuroprotective drugs have been successfully tested.
Results
At present, several pharmacological treatments of retinal ganglion cells have been proposed. They include prevention of glutamate-induced excitotoxicity using NMDA-receptor antagonists such as memantine, blockage of apoptotic pathways using caspase- or semaphorin-inhibitors and administration of neurotrophic factors like CNTF, BDNF, GDNF and T-588. Clinically used antiglaucomatous drugs are also thought to possess neuroprotective effects. In spite of promising results in animal models like the DBA/2J-mouse and various rat-and monkey-models, principal problems have to be solved before neuroprotection can be realistically considered as a therapy for glaucoma.
Conclusions
Pharmacological neuroprotection is developing rapidly and promises to become a future direct approach to cure glaucomatous injuries.