Title:Neuroprotection by (endo)Cannabinoids in Glaucoma and Retinal Neurodegenerative Diseases
Volume: 16
Issue: 7
Author(s): Cinzia Rapino*, Daniel Tortolani, Lucia Scipioni and Mauro Maccarrone*
Affiliation:
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo,Italy
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio- Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome,Italy
Keywords:
Neuroprotection, glaucoma, retinal diseases, retinal ganglion cells, endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids.
Abstract: Background: Emerging neuroprotective strategies are being explored to preserve
the retina from degeneration, that occurs in eye pathologies like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy,
age-related macular degeneration, and retinitis pigmentosa. Incidentally, neuroprotection of retina is
a defending mechanism designed to prevent or delay neuronal cell death, and to maintain neural
function following an initial insult, thus avoiding loss of vision.
Methods: Numerous studies have investigated potential neuroprotective properties of plant-derived
phytocannabinoids, as well as of their endogenous counterparts collectively termed endocannabinoids
(eCBs), in several degenerative diseases of the retina. eCBs are a group of neuromodulators
that, mainly by activating G protein-coupled type-1 and type-2 cannabinoid (CB1 and CB2) receptors,
trigger multiple signal transduction cascades that modulate central and peripheral cell functions.
A fine balance between biosynthetic and degrading enzymes that control the right concentration
of eCBs has been shown to provide neuroprotection in traumatic, ischemic, inflammatory and
neurotoxic damage of the brain.
Results: Since the existence of eCBs and their binding receptors was documented in the retina of
numerous species (from fishes to primates), their involvement in the visual processing has been
demonstrated, more recently with a focus on retinal neurodegeneration and neuroprotection.
Conclusion: The aim of this review is to present a modern view of the endocannabinoid system, in
order to discuss in a better perspective available data from preclinical studies on the use of eCBs as
new neuroprotective agents, potentially useful to prevent glaucoma and retinal neurodegenerative
diseases.
