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Review
. 2010 Jul;91(1):48-53.
doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2010.04.002. Epub 2010 Apr 13.

Mechanisms of retinal ganglion cell injury and defense in glaucoma

Juan Qu  1 , Danyi Wang, Cynthia L Grosskreutz
Affiliations
Review

Mechanisms of retinal ganglion cell injury and defense in glaucoma

Juan Qu et al. Exp Eye Res. 2010 Jul.

Abstract

Glaucoma is a disease in which retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) die leading ultimately to blindness. Over the past decade and a half, information has begun to emerge regarding specific molecular responses of the retina to conditions of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). It is now clear that the state of the RGC in glaucoma depends on a balance of pro-survival and pro-death pathways in the retina and details of these responses are still being worked out. In this review, we will discuss the evidence supporting the involvement of specific apoptotic cascades as well as the insults that trigger RGC apoptosis. In addition, we will present evidence supporting the existence of endogenous protective mechanisms as well as exogenous neuroprotective strategies.

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