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Abstract #8765 Published in IGR 5-1
Multifaceted roles of nitric oxide in the lateral geniculate nucleus: From visual signal transduction to neuronal apoptosis
Nucci C; Morrone L; Rombola L; Nistico R; Piccirilli S; Cerulli LToxicology Letters 2003; 139: 163-173
The lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) is the thalamic relay of retinal inputs to the visual cortex. It contains a rich array of brain terminals, which modulate the visual signals to the cortex. Several data have documented that beside cholinergic, GABA-nergic, istaminergic, serotoninergic, and glutamatergic signals, the LGN contains also fibers and interneurons expressing the enzyme that produces nitric oxide (NO). Here, the authors review the documented physiological roles of NO in the transmission of visual inputs to the cortex and in the processes of activity-dependent refinement of LGN connections. Moreover, they focus on the recently suggested role of NO in processes of neurotoxicity in the LGN. Particular relevance is given to studies documenting that, through an excitotoxic cascade, NO triggers apoptosis in the LGN of new-born rats deprived of vision in one eye. Data are also discussed on a possible role of NO in the mechanisms of LGN neuronal loss induced by glaucoma. The authors believe that a better understanding of the role of NO in the LGN may contribute to discovering new experimental strategies for the treatment of degenerative ophthalmic diseases.
Dr. C. Nucci, Department of Biopathology/Diagnostic Imaging, Physiopathological Optics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. nucci@med.uniroma2.it
Classification:
2.16 Chiasma and retrochiasmal central nervous system (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)