Neuroprotection by (endo)Cannabinoids in Glaucoma and Retinal Neurodegenerative Diseases

摘要: Background Emerging neuroprotective strategies are being explored to preserve the retina from degeneration, that occurs in eye pathologies like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular and retinitis pigmentosa. Incidentally, neuroprotection of is a defending mechanism designed prevent or delay neuronal cell death, maintain neural function following an initial insult, thus avoiding loss vision. Methods Numerous studies have investigated potential properties plant-derived phytocannabinoids, as well their endogenous counterparts collectively termed endocannabinoids (eCBs), several degenerative diseases retina. eCBs group neuromodulators that, mainly by activating G protein-coupled type-1 type-2 cannabinoid (CB1 CB2) receptors, trigger multiple signal transduction cascades modulate central peripheral functions. A fine balance between biosynthetic degrading enzymes control right concentration has been shown provide traumatic, ischemic, inflammatory neurotoxic damage brain. Results Since existence binding receptors was documented numerous species (from fishes primates), involvement visual processing demonstrated, more recently with focus on retinal neurodegeneration neuroprotection. Conclusion The aim this review present modern view endocannabinoid system, order discuss better perspective available data preclinical use new agents, potentially useful glaucoma neurodegenerative diseases.