Vigabatrin-associated retinal damage: potential biochemical mechanisms.

Abstract

Vigabatrin (VGB), an irreversible inhibitor of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transaminase, is approved as adjunct treatment of refractory partial seizures as well as infantile spasms. Although VGB has been proven to be effective, its use is limited by the risk of retinopathy and associated peripheral visual field defects. This review describes and analyzes current literature related to potential pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying VGB-mediated cellular toxicity. Animal data suggest that GABA mediates neural excitotoxicity. The amino acid taurine is concentrated in retinal cells, and deficiency of this amino acid may be involved in VGB-mediated retinal degeneration and possible phototoxicity.

• Authors: M K Heim, B E Gidal
• Journal: Acta neurologica Scandinavica (Acta Neurol Scand) Vol. 126 Issue 4 Pg. 219-28 (Oct 2012) ISSN: 1600-0404 [Electronic] Denmark
• PMID: 22632110 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Chemical References

• Anticonvulsants
• Taurine
• Vigabatrin

Topics

• Animals
• Anticonvulsants (adverse effects)
• Epilepsy (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Retinal Diseases (chemically induced, metabolism)
• Taurine (metabolism)
• Vigabatrin (adverse effects)