Yoram Oron
Tel Aviv University, Israel
Title: COX2 inhibition decreases ischemic damage to rat retina–function or structure
Biography
Biography: Yoram Oron
Abstract
Extensive ischemia results in massive (≥80%) death of ganglion cells (GC) and a virtually complete loss of function as judged by b-wave disappearance in ERG. Hence this type of protocol is suited only to study the prevention of ischemic damage, but not post-insult treatment and eff ects on the extent and kinetics of recovery. We, therefore, studied the eff ects of COX species inhibition on mild ischemic damage (30% decrease in GC). Selective COX1 inhibition had no eff ect, while selective COX2 inhibitor, Vioxx, markedly improved retinal function (ERG b-wave amplitude) recovery aft er initial damage. Although GC number was also aff ected by Vioxx, the eff ect was not statistically signifi cant at this low level of damage. Vioxx also potentiated ischemic induction of HSP70. Our results strongly suggest the involvement of COX2 (possibly via inhibition of HSP70 induction) in the mechanism of retinal ischemic damage. Moreover, we propose that studies of neuro-protection at
low level damage should use functional assays, such as ERG or behavioral measurements, to follow the effi cacy of the treatment.
