New Glaucoma Research May Prevent Toxins From Spreading, Save Vision

Newswise — Denver, Colo. – Researchers have found that blocking the connections between cells in the retina can prevent toxins in one cell from spreading – and killing – its neighbors. The research is being presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) this week in Denver, Colo.

Scientists compare it to a raised drawbridge that blocks traffic from crossing a river. In glaucoma, retinal ganglion cells die and release toxins that spread to neighboring cells through “bridges” of protein called gap junctions. These toxins kill the neighboring cells, which release their own toxins to spread the wave of cell death. By blocking these gap junctions with drugs or genetic techniques, researchers were able to reduce ganglion cell loss by 70-80%.

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which cells in the retina, the tissue responsible for sight, die progressively, leading to vision loss.

Abstract Title: Blockade of Retinal Gap Junctions Offers Significant Neuroprotection in an Experimental Mouse Model of GlaucomaPresentation Start/End Time: Tuesday, May 5, 8:30am – 8:45am Location: 2C/3C Mile High BlrmAbstract Number: 2589

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The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is the largest eye and vision research organization in the world. Members include nearly 12,000 eye and vision researchers from over 75 countries. ARVO advances research worldwide into understanding the visual system and preventing, treating and curing its disorders. All abstracts accepted for presentation at the ARVO Annual Meeting represent previously unpublished data and conclusions. This research may be proprietary or may have been submitted for journal publication. Embargo policy: Journalists must seek approval from the presenter(s) before reporting data from paper or poster presentations. Press releases or stories on information presented at the ARVO Annual Meeting may not be released or published until the conclusion of the presentation.