Functional efficacy of glatiramer acetate treatment for laser-induced retinal damage in rats.
OBJECTIVE
To functionally evaluate the efficacy of glatiramer acetate (Cop-1) as a neuroprotective treatment for laser-induced retinal injuries in rats.


METHODS
Using standard lasering and flash ERG techniques, we evaluated the effect of photocoagulation and of Cop-1 treatment on retinal function 3, 20, and 60 days after covering one-half of the retina with of 23 rats with argon laser lesions.


RESULTS
Significant neuroprotective effects of Cop-1 treatment on functional recovery were observed 20 and 60 days after retinal photocoagulation. Two months post-lasering, the amplitude of electroretinographic signals in lasered eyes (mean+/-SEM) was 99.5+/-10.2% of that of intact eyes in the Cop-1-treated group and 85.8+/-5.5% in the untreated lasered control group (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Cop-1 immunization in rats is neuroprotective against laser-induced injuries to the outer retina and improves functional recovery of the injured retina. Studies have documented effective neuroprotective treatment after laser damage to myelinated neurons, but this is the first report of neuroprotection of nonmyelinated neurons.
Belokopytov
Mark
M
Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Tel-Aviv University, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel HaShomer, Israel.
Ben-Shlomo
Gil
G
Rosner
Mordechai
M
Belkin
Michael
M
Dubinski
Galina
G
Epstein
Yoram
Y
Ofri
Ron
R
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D004596:Electroretinography; D005126:Eye Burns / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D010455:Peptides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011292:Premedication; D051381:Rats; D012160:Retina / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D010455:Peptides; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate