Abstract

SA.08.05

The role of neurotrophic factors and growth factors in neuroprotection

Maurice Schallenberg
Zentrum für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen

In recent years, scientific interest has increasingly focussed on neuroprotection as a therapeutic principle in glaucomatous neuropathy. The pathogenesis of glaucomatous opticus neuropathy is not fully understood, however, the deprivation of neurotrophic factors and growth factors appears to play a key role in the vulnerability of retinal ganglion cells against cytotoxic factors. With elevated IOP, the retrograde axonal transport of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) is disrupted in the retinal ganglion cells. A substitution of BNDF as intravitreal injections revealed neuroprotective effects in different animal models. A neurotrophic potency was demonstrated in other neurotrophic factors like CNTF (ciliary neurotropic factor), NGF (nerve growth factor) and GNDF (glial-derived neurotrophic factor).
In addition to these neurothrophic factors, other cytokines and growth factors like erythropoietin (EPO), insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and, recently, the granulocyte-macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) revealed neuroprotective potency. The exact mechanisms of action, by specific receptor stimulation or activation of glia cells, are not yet clarified.
In GM-CSF a specific receptor was detected in retinal ganglion cells. The stimulation of this receptor activates the ERK1/2-pathway, regulates apoptotic-relevant proteins and protects retinal ganglion cells from several substances that induce apoptosis.
New insights from neighbouring disciplines enrich our knowledge and will decisively, and hopefully successfully, influence neuroprotective therapy in glaucoma.

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