The Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target in Glaucoma

Elizabeth A. Cairns, William H. Baldridge, Melanie E.M. Kelly

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

59 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Glaucoma is an irreversible blinding eye disease which produces progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is currently the only modifiable risk factor, and lowering IOP results in reduced risk of progression of the disorder. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has attracted considerable attention as a potential target for the treatment of glaucoma, largely due to the observed IOP lowering effects seen after administration of exogenous cannabinoids. However, recent evidence has suggested that modulation of the ECS may also be neuroprotective. This paper will review the use of cannabinoids in glaucoma, presenting pertinent information regarding the pathophysiology of glaucoma and how alterations in cannabinoid signalling may contribute to glaucoma pathology. Additionally, the mechanisms and potential for the use of cannabinoids and other novel agents that target the endocannabinoid system in the treatment of glaucoma will be discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Article number9364091
JournalNeural Plasticity
Volume2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The writing of this review was supported by a grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) MOP-97768 (Melanie E. M. Kelly).

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Elizabeth A. Cairns et al.

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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