Protection of retinal ganglion cells by caspase substrate-binding peptide IQACRG from N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated excitotoxicity.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

This study investigated whether the enzymatically inactive caspase mimetic IQACRG protects rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from excitotoxic insults. Minimally invasive delivery of the peptide to the retina was explored, and the mechanisms of neuroprotection were elucidated.

Methods

IQACRG was linked to penetratin (P-IQACRG) to facilitate cellular uptake. RGC labeling by biotinylated-P-IQACRG delivered via intravitreal or subconjunctival injection was demonstrated by avidin-biotin chemistry. The authors used histologic and electrophysiological measures to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of P-IQACRG against RGC death induced by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) in vitro and in vivo. In addition, they monitored activity of an enzyme that is downstream of caspase-1, m

SUBMITTER: Seki M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2868456 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature