title: [Retinal drug targets].
abstract: Retinal effects of systemically administered drugs are rare due to the hematoretinal barriers that protect the retina from circulating active principles. However, some compounds may have direct or indirect toxic effects on the retina through direct interaction with a specific receptor or due to their accumulation within pigment of uveal cells. In the latter case, toxicity is dose-dependent and may be observed years after cessation of medication, as observed with antimalarial drugs. Anti-infective and anti-inflammatory agents, particularly glucocorticoids, are currently injected peri- or intraocularly. The mechanisms and the exact toxicity of glucocorticoids on the retina remain poorly understood. More recently, anti-VEGF has been specifically developed for the treatment of retinal diseases. However, the long-term blockade of VEGF on normal retinal physiology should be determined taking into account VEGF and VEGF receptors expression in the normal and pathologic retina. Whilst enormous advances are made in the treatment of retinal diseases, basic research is still required to define more accurately the molecular targets of drugs to improve their benefits and reduce their potential side effects.
authors: Inserm UMRS, Équipe physiopathologie oculaire : innovations thérapeutiques, centre de recherches des Cordeliers, Hôtel-dieu, université Paris-Descartes, France. francine.behar-cohen@crc.jussieu.fr
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Behar-Cohen
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects; D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001813:Blood-Retinal Barrier / Q000502:physiology; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D009799:Ocular Physiological Phenomena / Q000187:drug effects; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D012160:Retina / Q000187:drug effects*; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor