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The neuroprotective effect of donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), was examined. The survival of purified RGCs after exposure to glutamate with or without donepezil (10-7 M to 10-5 M) was measured after 3 days in culture. In vivo, the neuroprotective effect of donepezil was examined by quantifying the number of viable RGCs 7 days after axotomy in adult rats. In vitro, donepezil dose-dependently reduced RGC death caused by glutamate toxicity. Oral administration of donepezil (10 mg kg-1 day-1 ) significantly reduced RGC death after axotomy. In conclusion, donepezil exerts a protective effect on RGCs both in vitro and in vivo.
Dr. A. Miki, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Osaka University Medical School, Suita, Osaka, Japan
11.8 Neuroprotection (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)