Neuroprotection: is it already applicable to glaucoma therapy?

Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2000 Apr;11(2):78-84. doi: 10.1097/00055735-200004000-00002.

Abstract

Many categories of both natural and synthetic compounds have been reported to have neuroprotective activity. These include not only antioxidants, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists, inhibitors of glutamate release, calcium channel blockers, polyamine antagonists, and nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, but cannabinoids, aspirin, melatonin, and vitamin B-12. The lack of availability of specific neuroprotectant compounds in the United States and the lack of clinical trials examining the benefits of neuroprotective agents for glaucoma currently limit the use of these agents. This article provides a short overview of the concept of neuroprotection as it applies to glaucoma and suggests the possibility of neuroprotective activity that might be provided by compounds that are presently easily available.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Glaucoma / drug therapy*
  • Glaucoma / metabolism
  • Glaucoma / pathology
  • Glutamic Acid / drug effects
  • Glutamic Acid / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure / drug effects
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / metabolism
  • Optic Nerve / drug effects*
  • Optic Nerve / metabolism
  • Optic Nerve / pathology
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / metabolism
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / drug effects*
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / metabolism
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / pathology

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase