| 摘要 |
A method and composition for altering a plausible sequence of pathological events in retinal ganglion cells associated with glaucoma, the sequence including membrane depolarization, influx of millimolar amounts of Na<+> via non-inactivating Na<+> channels, and the lethal elevation of cell Ca<2+> due to reversal of the Na<+> exchanger. The method includes blocking, by administration of a selected composition, of associated, non-inactivating Na<+> channels in retinal ganglion cells in order to limit Na<+>/Ca<2+> exchange in the retinal ganglion cells and prevent buildup of the Ca<2+> level in the retinal ganglion cells to a lethal level. The results in a method of preventing retinal ganglion cell death, associated with glaucoma, by administering to the optic nerve of a mammal, a compound which blocks the non-inactivating sodium ion channels of the optic nerve. Alternately, said invention relates to a method of preventing optic retinal ganglion cell death in a human by administering to the retinal ganglion cells of said human a compound which blocks the non-inactivating sodium ion channel of the retinal ganglion cells.
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