Figure 7 of
Zhang, Mol Vis 2003;
9:238-248.
Figure 7. Proposed model for ganglion cell loss
Our working hypothesis is that optic nerve ligation leads induction of uPA and increased plasminogen levels in the retina. In the presence of plasminogen increased levels of uPA can convert zymogen plasminogen to active plasmin. Active plasmin can then digest the extracellular matrix components such as laminin and promote ganglion cell death.