Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy

Research results from University of Montreal, Department of Ophthalmology update knowledge of neuropathy therapy

Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy Library Library Home This article was published in Pain & Central Nervous System Week, which you can subscribe to online.

"In some cases, the pathophysiology of the optic nerve injury is not fully understood. For example, while the demyelinative aspects of optic neuritis have been studied, the mechanism by which the axonal loss occurs is less apparent. In other cases, although the pathophysiology of the optic neuropathy may be understood, there is difficulty treating the disease, for example, with traumatic optic neuropathy. In response to this therapeutic dearth, the concept of neuroprotection has arisen. Neuroprotection is a therapeutic paradigm for preventing death of neurons from injury and maintaining function. In optic neuropathies, the corresponding neuron is the retinal ganglion cell. These cells are unable to divide, and optic neuropathies irrevocably result in their death; therefore, the primary target of neuroprotection are retinal ganglion cells and their axons," wrote L.A Levin and colleagues, University of Montreal, Department of Ophthalmology.

The researchers concluded: "This review emphasizes that most optic neuropathies are axonal and thus good targets for neuroprotection."

Levin and colleagues published their study in Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology Journal Canadien D'ophtalmologie (Axonal loss and neuroprotection in optic neuropathies. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology Journal Canadien D'ophtalmologie, 2007;42(3):403-8).

For additional information, contact L.A. Levin, University of Montreal, Dept. of Ophthalmology, Canada.

Publisher contact information for the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology Journal Canadien D'ophtalmologie is: Canadian Ophthal Society, 1525 Carling Avenue Suite 610, Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 8R9, Canada.

Keywords: Canada, Neuropathy Therapy, Neuropathy, Ophthalmology, Optic Nerve Disease, Optic Neuritis.

This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.