The Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target in Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an irreversible blinding eye disease which produces progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is currently the only modifiable risk factor, and lowering IOP results in reduced risk of progression of the disorder. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has attract...

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Main Authors: Elizabeth A. Cairns, William H. Baldridge, Melanie E. M. Kelly
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2016-01-01
Series:Neural Plasticity
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/9364091
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author Elizabeth A. Cairns
William H. Baldridge
Melanie E. M. Kelly
author_facet Elizabeth A. Cairns
William H. Baldridge
Melanie E. M. Kelly
author_sort Elizabeth A. Cairns
collection DOAJ
description Glaucoma is an irreversible blinding eye disease which produces progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is currently the only modifiable risk factor, and lowering IOP results in reduced risk of progression of the disorder. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has attracted considerable attention as a potential target for the treatment of glaucoma, largely due to the observed IOP lowering effects seen after administration of exogenous cannabinoids. However, recent evidence has suggested that modulation of the ECS may also be neuroprotective. This paper will review the use of cannabinoids in glaucoma, presenting pertinent information regarding the pathophysiology of glaucoma and how alterations in cannabinoid signalling may contribute to glaucoma pathology. Additionally, the mechanisms and potential for the use of cannabinoids and other novel agents that target the endocannabinoid system in the treatment of glaucoma will be discussed.
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spelling doaj-art-2adbc9b901a7423992bd3e1ed80f80d42025-08-20T03:54:42ZengWileyNeural Plasticity2090-59041687-54432016-01-01201610.1155/2016/93640919364091The Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target in GlaucomaElizabeth A. Cairns0William H. Baldridge1Melanie E. M. Kelly2Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, CanadaDepartment of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, CanadaDepartment of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, CanadaGlaucoma is an irreversible blinding eye disease which produces progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is currently the only modifiable risk factor, and lowering IOP results in reduced risk of progression of the disorder. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has attracted considerable attention as a potential target for the treatment of glaucoma, largely due to the observed IOP lowering effects seen after administration of exogenous cannabinoids. However, recent evidence has suggested that modulation of the ECS may also be neuroprotective. This paper will review the use of cannabinoids in glaucoma, presenting pertinent information regarding the pathophysiology of glaucoma and how alterations in cannabinoid signalling may contribute to glaucoma pathology. Additionally, the mechanisms and potential for the use of cannabinoids and other novel agents that target the endocannabinoid system in the treatment of glaucoma will be discussed.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/9364091
spellingShingle Elizabeth A. Cairns
William H. Baldridge
Melanie E. M. Kelly
The Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target in Glaucoma
Neural Plasticity
title The Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target in Glaucoma
title_full The Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target in Glaucoma
title_fullStr The Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target in Glaucoma
title_full_unstemmed The Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target in Glaucoma
title_short The Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target in Glaucoma
title_sort endocannabinoid system as a therapeutic target in glaucoma
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/9364091
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