Neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells with GDNF-Loaded biodegradable microspheres in experimental glaucoma.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, and also the most common optic neuropathy. The ultimate cause of vision loss in glaucoma is thought to be retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Neuroprotection of RGC is therefore an important goal of glaucoma therapy. Currently, glaucoma treatment relies on pharmacologic or surgical reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP). It is critical to develop treatment approaches that actively prevent the death of RGCs at risk in glaucoma. Neurotrophic factors have the ability to promote the survival and influence the growth of neurons. Neurotrophic factor deprivation has been proposed as one mechanism leading to RGC death in glaucoma. Effective neuroprotection in glaucoma likely requires the consistent availability of the active agent for prolonged periods of time. Biodegradable microspheres are especially attractive as drug delivery vehicles for a number of reasons. Sustained GDNF delivery by biodegradable microspheres offers significant neuroprotection to injured RGC in experimental glaucoma. PLGA microsphere-delivered GDNF represents an important neuroprotective strategy in the treatment of glaucomatous optic neuropathy and provides direction for further investigations of this hypothesis.