Researchers at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University are examining whether a powerful pain medicine (+)-pentazocine can make astrocytes protect retinal ganglion cells rather than harm them, helping glaucoma patients avoid damage to their optic nerve.
According to researchers, while the star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes normally help protect retinal ganglion cells, glaucoma appears to change this relationship and causes astrocytes to become destructive and toxic to neurons. Using an animal model, the researchers are looking at how astrocytes and retinal ganglion cells interact in a healthy scenario, and also how the addition of the pain reliever (+)-pentazocine changes the equation.
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Source: Augusta University