Inhibition of NMDA receptors and nitric oxide synthase reduces ischemic injury of the retina

Eur J Pharmacol. 1998 May 29;350(1):53-7. doi: 10.1016/s0014-2999(98)00317-3.

Abstract

This study was performed to examine the roles of body temperature, NMDA receptors and nitric oxide (NO) synthase in post-ischemic retinal injury in rats. Cell loss in the ganglion cell layer and thinning of the inner plexiform layer were observed 7 days after ischemia. Cell loss in the ganglion cell layer but not thinning of the inner plexiform layer was reduced by hypothermia during ischemia. Intravenous injection of dizocilpine (MK-801) or Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) prior to ischemia ameliorated retinal injury. These results suggest that activation of NO synthase following NMDA receptor stimulation is involved in ischemia-induced retinal injury.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Temperature / drug effects
  • Dizocilpine Maleate / pharmacology
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Ischemia*
  • Male
  • NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester / pharmacology*
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / physiology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / physiology*
  • Retina / metabolism
  • Retinal Diseases / etiology*
  • Retinal Diseases / metabolism
  • Retinal Diseases / prevention & control
  • Retinal Vessels*

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Dizocilpine Maleate
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase
  • NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester