Patent ID: 6426358
Filing Date: 2002-07-30
Classification: A61K,A61P,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for altering a plausible sequence of pathological events in retinal ganglion optic cells associated with glaucoma, the sequence including the pathological depolarization of retinal ganglion cells, an influx of millimolar amounts of sodium via non-inactivating sodium channels and a subsequent reversal of the sodium/calcium exchanger, mediated by both membrane depolarization and increased intracellular sodium, causing a toxic buildup of intracellular calcium, said method comprising blocking of associated non-inactivating Na+ channels in retinal ganglion cells in order to limit sodium/calcium exchange in the retinal ganglion cells and prevent buildup of the calcium level in the retinal ganglion cells to a lethal level.