Inhibition of noninactivating Na channels of mammalian optic nerve as a means of preventing optic nerve degeneration associated with glaucoma

摘要

A method and composition for altering a plausible sequence of pathological events in retinal ganglion cells associated with glaucoma, the sequence including membrane depolarization, influx of millimolar amounts of Na³⁰ via non-inactivating Na³⁰ channels, and the lethal elevation of cell Ca², due to reversal of the Na^{/Ca2 exchanger. The method includes blocking, by administration of a selected composition, of associated, non-inactivating Na channels in retinal ganglion cells in order to limit Na/Ca exchange in the retinal ganglion cells and prevent buildup of the Ca2 level in the retinal ganglion cells to a lethal level. The results in a method of preventing retinal ganglion cell death, associated with glaucoma, by acministering to the optic nerve of a mammal, a compound which blocks the non-inactivating sodium ion channels of the optic nerve. Alternately, said invention relates to a method of preventing optic retinal ganglion cell death in a human by administering to the retinal ganglion cells of said human a compound which blocks the non-inactivating sodium ion channel of the retinal ganglion cells.}