Retinal damage caused by high intraocular pressure-induced transient ischemia is prevented by coenzyme Q10 in rat.
Recent studies support a role for excitotoxicity in the development of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) damage in subjects suffering from glaucoma. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an essential cofactor of the electron transport chain, has been reported to afford neuroprotection, preventing the formation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Using an established animal model of retinal ischemia/reperfusion here, we show that synaptic glutamate increases at 130min from beginning of reperfusion and delayed apoptosis in the RGC layer is seen at 24h. Intraocular administration of CoQ10 minimizes glutamate increase and affords neuroprotection, suggesting that oxidative stress and energy failure might be implicated in the mechanisms of RGC death.
Physiopathological Optics, Department of Biopathology, University of Rome Tor Vergata 00133 Rome, Italy.
Carlo
C
Nucci
Rosanna
R
Tartaglione
Angelica
A
Cerulli
R
R
Mancino
A
A
Spanò
Federica
F
Cavaliere
Laura
L
Rombolà
G
G
Bagetta
M Tiziana
MT
Corasaniti
Luigi A
LA
Morrone
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D003067:Coenzymes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000633:toxicity; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D007511:Ischemia / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D017551:Microdialysis; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012165:Retinal Ganglion Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D014451:Ubiquinone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D003067:Coenzymes; D014451:Ubiquinone; D018698:Glutamic Acid; C024989:coenzyme Q10