Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
08:30
Glaucoma-inducing Procedure in an In Vivo Rat Model and Whole-mount Retina Preparation
Published on: March 12, 2016
Nerve growth factor eye drops to treat glaucoma
Alessandro Lambiase1, Flavio Mantelli, Stefano Bonini
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rome Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy.
Drug News & Perspectives
|August 11, 2010
Summary
Nerve growth factor (NGF) eye drops show promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases by targeting the optic nerve and brain. This novel delivery route overcomes the blood-brain barrier challenge for NGF therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Nerve growth factor (NGF) has long been investigated for neurodegenerative disease treatment.
- Systemic administration of NGF is limited by its inability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical trials of systemic and topical NGF administration.
- To discuss advancements in recombinant human NGF production and novel delivery systems.
- To explore the potential of NGF eye drops for ocular surface, retina, and optic nerve diseases, and neurodegenerative conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trials involving NGF administration.
- Discussion of pharmacodynamic studies on NGF eye drops.
- Examination of progress in recombinant NGF production and delivery routes.
Main Results:
- Topical NGF eye drops are effective for ocular diseases like corneal ulcers.
- NGF eye drops demonstrate the ability to target the optic nerve and brain.
- This approach offers a potential solution for delivering NGF across the blood-brain barrier.
Conclusions:
- NGF eye drops represent a viable strategy for treating ocular surface diseases.
- This delivery method opens new research avenues for utilizing NGF in treating neurodegenerative diseases affecting the central nervous system.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...