METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR PRESERVING THE VIABILITY OF PHOTORECEPTOR CELLS

摘要

Provided are methods and compositions for maintaining the viability of photoreceptor cells following retinal detachment. The viability of photoreceptor cells can be preserved by administering a neuroprotective agent, for example, a substance capable of suppressing endogenous calcineurin or constitutively active calcineurin, inhibiting cleavage of calcineurin to constitutively active calcineurin, and/or directly or indirectly antagonizing calcineurin or constitutively active calcineurin (and combinations thereof), to a mammal having an eye with retinal detachment. The neuroprotective agent maintains the viability of the photoreceptor cells until such time that the retina becomes reattached to the underlying retinal pigment epithelium and choroid. The treatment minimizes the loss of vision, which otherwise may occur as a result of retinal detachment.