Neuroprotection: is it already applicable to glaucoma therapy?
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.
Ritch
R
R
Department of Ophthalmology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York 10003, USA. ritch@inx.net
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D009900:Optic Nerve / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D012165:Retinal Ganglion Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase