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Adenosine, adenosine receptors and glaucoma: an updated overview
Yisheng Zhong1, Zijian Yang, Wei-Chieh Huang
1Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, China. yszhong68@yahoo.com.cn
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|January 19, 2013
Summary
Adenosine receptors play a key role in regulating intraocular pressure (IOP) and protecting retinal ganglion cells. Targeting the adenosine system offers a promising therapeutic strategy for glaucoma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, characterized by optic neuropathy and often linked to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).
- Current glaucoma treatments aim to reduce IOP and preserve retinal ganglion cells.
- Adenosine and its receptors (ARs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in IOP modulation and neuroprotection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on the involvement of adenosine and ARs in glaucoma.
- To explore their functions in aqueous humor dynamics, IOP regulation, and retinal neuroprotection.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of current scientific literature.
- Analysis of studies investigating adenosine and ARs in ocular physiology and pathology.
Main Results:
- Adenosine and its derivatives modulate IOP through various ARs (A1, A2A, A3).
- Specific AR activations/antagonizations can lower IOP by affecting outflow facility and ion channel activity.
- Adenosine agonists/antagonists influence ocular blood flow and retinal function recovery after ischemia.
- Adenosine at A3 receptors mitigates P2X(7) receptor-induced cell death.
Conclusions:
- The adenosine system presents a viable target for novel glaucoma therapies.
- Modulation of specific adenosine receptors offers potential for IOP reduction and neuroprotection in glaucoma.
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