CDP-Choline In Glaucoma
Pharmacodynamics of citicoline (CDP-choline) relevant to the treatment of glaucoma.
Grieb P, Rejdak R
Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology,
Medical Research Center,
Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
J Neurosci Res 2002 Jan 15;67(2):143-8
Abstract
Citicoline (CDP-choline) is a nontoxic and well-tolerated drug used in pharmacotherapy of brain insufficiency and some other neurological disorders, such as stroke, brain trauma, and Parkinson's disease. A few reports indicate that
CDP-choline treatment may also be beneficial in glaucoma. Currently glaucoma is considered a neurodegenerative disease in which retinal ganglion cells (RGC) slowly die, likely in the apoptotic mechanism. CDP-choline is a natural precursor of cellular synthesis of phospholipids, mainly phosphatydylcholine.
Enhancement of Phosphatidylcholine synthesis may counteract neuronal apoptosis and provide neuroprotection. CDP-choline, when administered, undergoes a quick transformation to cytidine and choline, which are believed to enter brain cells separately and provide neuroprotection by enhancing Phosphatidylcholine synthesis; similar effect may be expected to occur in glaucomatous RGC.
Furthermore,
CDP-choline stimulates some brain neurotransmitter systems, including the dopaminergic system, and dopamine is known as a major neurotransmitter in retina and postretinal visual pathways.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, treatment of glaucoma resulted in functional improvement in the visual system noted with electrophysiological methods.
Development of
CDP-choline as a treatment for glaucoma is indicated.
