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Abstract #21545 Published in IGR 10-3
Estrogens and neuroprotection in retinal diseases
Maneesh Kumar D; Simpkins JW; Agarwal NMolecular Vision 2008; 14: 1480-1486
Estrogens play a critical role in the normal growth and development of humans and in recent years our understanding of their effects in the central nervous system (CNS) have been advancing rapidly. It is now known that estrogens influence synaptic plasticity, brain development, and memory. In addition, estrogens have been shown to be neuroprotective in degenerative disorders. The understanding of the influences of estrogens in the retina, as a component of the CNS, has not kept pace with the advances in understanding of the brain. Studies that have addressed the effects of estrogens on the retina, specifically those focusing on glaucoma, are examined here in the hope that estrogen therapy may be a viable option for treating retinal dystrophies and optic neuropaties.
Dr. N. Agarwal, Division of Extramural Research, National Eye Institute, 5635 Fishers Lane, Bethesda, MD 20892-9300, USA. agarwaln@gmail.com
Classification:
11.8 Neuroprotection (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
