Optic Nerve Metabolism and Ocular Blood Flow
About the Research Project
Program
Award Type
Standard
Award Amount
$67,245
Active Dates
April 01, 2001 - July 31, 2002
Grant ID
G2001034
Summary
Glaucoma is associated with many risk factors, especially elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), but also older age, a family history of glaucoma, African ancestry, diabetes mellitus and vascular diseases. It is generally believed that ischemia plays an important role in the pathogenesis of glaucomatous optic nerve damage, but the mechanisms of how the ischemia occurs and causes retinal ganglion cell death is unknown. However, both ischemia and the cell death are associated with increased concentrations of glutamate and lactate in the vitreous fluid. Dr. Lee and her team are measuring these concentrations noninvasively in vivo using MRI and MRS (spectroscopy) scans. An animal model of ischemia is being used to evaluate the levels of lactate and glutamate in real-time using MRI, MRS, fluorescein fundus angiography and scanning laser Doppler flowmetry. It is hoped that the results will lead to a better understanding of the roles of glutamate and lactate in the ischemia and retinal ganglion cell death of glaucoma.
Related Grants
National Glaucoma Research
Human Retinal Regeneration to Cure Glaucoma
Active Dates
July 01, 2025 - June 30, 2027

Principal Investigator
Karl Wahlin, PhD
Current Organization
University of California, San Diego
National Glaucoma Research
Mitochondria in Retinal Ganglion Cells
Active Dates
July 01, 2025 - June 30, 2027

Principal Investigator
Rob Nickells, PhD
Current Organization
University of Wisconsin-Madison
National Glaucoma Research
Role of a Key Gene, Angptl7, in Steroid-Induced Glaucoma
Active Dates
July 01, 2025 - June 30, 2027

Principal Investigator
W. Daniel Stamer, PhD
Current Organization
Duke University