title: Neuroprotection for diabetic retinopathy.
abstract: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a neurodegenerative and microvascular disease resulting in functional and structural changes of all cell types in the retina. Several mechanisms for neuroretinal homeostasis, including the blood-retinal barrier, normal metabolite delivery into the retina, and the effect of neurotrophins for the retina, are impaired in DR. However, it is still not clear which components are most important for the development of DR and which may be most useful as therapeutic targets. In this chapter, we summarize the evidence for the neurodegeneration in DR and review normal mechanisms for maintenance of postmitotic cells in the retina and alterations in normal maintenance pathways in DR with emphasis on 'neuroprotection'. Finally, we discuss current neuroprotective strategies and future directions for the treatment of DR.
authors.forename: Hisanori
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Imai
authors.forename: Ravi S J
authors.initials: RSJ
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Patrice E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Fort
authors.forename: Thomas W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Gardner
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001813:Blood-Retinal Barrier / Q000502:physiology; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055351:Retinal Neurons / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D018696:Neuroprotective Agents