Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
07:34
Minimally-invasive Technique for Injection into Rat Optic Nerve
Published on: May 19, 2015
[Optic neuritis--immunological approach to elucidate pathogenesis and develop innovative therapy].
1Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University, Japan. tkezuka@tokyo-med.ac.jp
Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi
|May 2, 2013
Summary
New research on optic neuritis reveals distinct pathogenic mechanisms, particularly in anti-aquaporin 4 antibody-positive cases. Early intervention targeting cell infiltration is crucial for preserving vision in optic neuritis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Ophthalmology
- Pathology
Context:
- Optic neuritis pathogenesis has evolved with advancements in anatomy, physiology, and immunology.
- Recent breakthroughs in molecular immunology and genetic engineering are revolutionizing optic neuritis analysis.
- Understanding disease mechanisms is key to developing effective treatments.
Purpose:
- To review recent studies on the pathogenetic mechanisms of optic neuritis.
- To explore the potential of novel findings for developing new therapies.
- To differentiate between multiple sclerosis-associated and anti-aquaporin 4 antibody-positive optic neuritis.
Summary:
- Anti-aquaporin 4 (AQP4) antibody-associated optic neuritis is often steroid-refractory, causing significant visual field defects due to optic nerve and chiasm damage.
- Severe cases involve co-existing anti-AQP4 and anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies, targeting astrocytes and myelin, respectively.
- Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels in cerebrospinal fluid may aid in diagnosing anti-AQP4 antibody-positive optic neuritis.
- Experimental autoimmune optic neuritis (EAON) models show distinct patterns: myelin damage (MS-like) and astrocyte damage (anti-AQP4 positive).
- In MS-associated optic neuritis, visual acuity loss precedes prolonged visually evoked potential (VEP) latency, highlighting the importance of early intervention during inflammatory cell infiltration.
Impact:
- Early treatment during visual acuity decrease but before VEP latency prolongation is critical for visual function.
- Therapies like anterior chamber-associated immune deviation (ACAID) induction and cell therapy show promise in EAON models.
- New multiple sclerosis drugs, such as FTY720 (fingolimod), may suppress optic nerve cell infiltration.
- Targeting early-stage cell infiltration in the optic nerve is vital for maintaining visual function in optic neuritis.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
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...