The Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target in Glaucoma

• Published in: Journal of neural transplantation & plasticity Vol. 2016; no. 2016; pp. 1 - 10
• Main Authors: Cairns, Elizabeth A., Kelly, M. E. M., Baldridge, William H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cairo, Egypt Hindawi Publishing Corporation 01.01.2016; Hindawi Limited; Wiley
• Subjects: Animals; Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists - metabolism; Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists - therapeutic use; Cannabinoids - metabolism; Cannabinoids - therapeutic use; Cornea; Diabetic retinopathy; Endocannabinoids - metabolism; Enzymes; Glaucoma; Glaucoma - drug therapy; Glaucoma - metabolism; Health aspects; Humans; Intraocular Pressure - drug effects; Ischemia; Metabolism; Metabolites; Neuroprotective Agents - metabolism; Neuroprotective Agents - therapeutic use; Pathology; Receptors, Cannabinoid - metabolism; Retina; Review; Risk factors; Signal Transduction - drug effects; Studies
• ISSN: 2090-5904; 0792-8483; 1687-5443
• DOI: 10.1155/2016/9364091

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.