My laboratory works on the development of endothelin receptor antagonists as neuroprotective agents for the treatment of glaucoma. Glaucoma is often referred to as the “sneak thief of sight” since the disease generally produces minimal pain or discomfort. Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy, commonly associated with an elevation of intraocular pressure, resulting in the degeneration of the optic nerve and loss of retinal ganglion cells, which could lead to loss of vision. Currently, the mainstay of glaucoma treatment is reduction in intraocular pressure, however, neurodegenerative effects persist in some patients. Hence, there is an unmet need for neuroprotective treatments for glaucoma.
Our prior studies have shown that endothelin receptors are increased in a rodent model of glaucoma and contribute to damage to the optic nerve and death of retinal ganglion cells. We are currently testing endothelin receptor antagonists for their ability to promote neuroprotection, following elevation of intraocular pressure in rats. The long term goal is to understand mechanisms by which a blockade of the endothelin receptor could promote neuroprotection and develop neuroprotective treatments for glaucoma patients.