Axonal Protection by Tacrolimus with Inhibition of NFATc1 in TNF-Induced Optic Nerve Degeneration.

ABSTRACT: Tacrolimus, a calcineurin (CaN) inhibitor, has been used for treatment of refractory allergic ocular disease, although its role in optic nerve degeneration remains to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated whether tacrolimus modulates tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-mediated axonal degeneration and whether it alters nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc), a downstream effector of CaN signaling. Immunoblot analysis showed no significant difference in CaNAα protein levels in optic nerve on day 3, 7, or 14 after TNF injection compared with PBS injection. However, a significant increase in NFATc1 protein level was observed in optic nerve 7 days after TNF injection. This increase was negated by simultaneous administration of tacrolimus. Administration of tacrolimus alone did not change

SUBMITTER: Tsukahara C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6555779 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature