Ouabain Counteracts Retinal Ganglion Cell Death Through Modulation of BDNF and IL-1 Signaling Pathways.

ABSTRACT: Background: Ouabain is a steroid hormone that binds to the sodium pump (Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase) at physiological (nanomolar) concentrations, activating different signaling pathways. This interaction has been shown to prevent the axotomy-induced death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Objective: In this study, we investigated potential mechanisms by which ouabain promotes RGC survival using primary cultures of rat neural retina. Results: Our findings indicate that ouabain regulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling in retinal cells via matrix metalloproteinase-9-mediated processing of proBDNF to mature BDNF (mBDNF) and by increasing the phosphorylation of the mBDNF receptor, tropomyosin-re

SUBMITTER: Oliveira ACDR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11853102 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature