[Neuroprotective effect of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists in an experimental glaucoma model in the rat].

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of memantine and dizocilpine, which are noncompetitive open-channel blockers of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, on glaucomatous optic neuropathy in an experimental glaucoma model in the rat.

METHODS:

Experimental glaucoma was induced in the right eyes of 30 Wistar albino rats by intracameral injection of India ink followed by laser trabecular photocoagulation 4 days later. The left eye served as a control. Either memantine, dizocilpine, or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was injected intraperitoneally just before trabecular photocoagulation. Five days later, 3% fast blue was injected into both superior colliculi. The eyes were enucleated another 3 days later and flat mounts of the retinas were prepared. Labeled ganglion cells were counted in the area 1 mm away from the optic disc.

RESULTS:

Five days after laser application, no significant intraocular pressure (IOP) change in the right eye was found among the 3 groups. In eyes treated with memantine or dizocilpine, significantly more ganglion cells were labeled.

CONCLUSION:

Systemically applied memantine and dizocilpine had a neuroprotective effect against experimental glaucomatous optic neuropathy in the rat.

• Authors: Z Gu, T Yamamoto, C Kawase, M Matsubara, K Kawase, A Sawada, Y Kitazawa
• Journal: Nippon Ganka Gakkai zasshi (Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi) Vol. 104 Issue 1 Pg. 11-6 (Jan 2000) ISSN: 0029-0203 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 10659620 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists
• Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
• Dizocilpine Maleate
• Memantine

Topics

• Animals
• Disease Models, Animal
• Dizocilpine Maleate (therapeutic use)
• Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists (pharmacology)
• Glaucoma (drug therapy)
• Male
• Memantine (therapeutic use)
• Rats
• Rats, Wistar
• Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (antagonists & inhibitors)