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Abstract #23472 Published in IGR 11-2
Effects of Endothelin on Glia and Neurons and Their Association with Glaucoma
Oku HNeuro-Ophthalmology Japan 2009; 26: 57-64
The endothelins (ETs) are a family of 21-amino acid peptides with three isomers, ET-1, ET-2, and ET-3. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is the most potent and long-acting vasoconstricting peptide presently known. In addition to their vascular effects, the ET signaling pathway exists in the central nervous system (CNS), including the retina and the optic nerve. ETs can act as neuropeptides and they are deeply related to neuronal degeneration. In experimental glaucoma or optic nerve crush models, ETs and ET(B) receptors have been shown to be increased in the sensory retina. ETs have also been demonstrated to impair axonal transport of the optic nerve and cause apoptosis of the retinal neurons, astroglial proliferation in the optic nerve head and oxidative stress. These effects of ETs on glia and neurons may be closely related to the damage seen for retinal neurons in glaucoma. LA: Japanese
H. Oku. Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan.
Classification:
3.6 Cellular biology (Part of: 3 Laboratory methods)
