PURPOSE: Primary @entity1538 is a chronic, progressive @entity1781 associated with a gradual decline in visual functions, which may lead to @entity1939 . METHODS: In most cases, the @entity1781 is associated with @entity2790 . However, it is now generally accepted, that normalization of pressure, although necessary, is often not sufficient as a remedial measure. This is because of the existence of additional risk factors, some of which emerge as a consequence of the initial damage. This situation is reminiscent of the response to a traumatic axonal insult: some of the damage is immediate and is caused by the insult itself, while some is secondary and is caused by a deficiency of growth-supportive factors as well as by toxic factors derived from the damaged tissue. Accordingly, we have suggested that @entity726 may be viewed as a @entity179 and consequently is amenable to any therapeutic intervention applicable to these diseases. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence that neuroprotection can be achieved both pharmacologically and immunologically. Pharmacological intervention (e.g. by using selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists) neutralizes some of the effects of the nerve-derived toxic factors and possibly increases the ability of the remaining healthy neurons, at any given time, to cope with the stressful conditions. Immunological intervention boosts the bodys own repair mechanisms for counteracting the @entity137 of physiological compounds acting as stress signals. Eur J Ophthalmol 2001; 11 (Suppl 2): S7-S11.

Neuroprotection as a treatment for XXXX : Pharmacological and immunological approaches.

@entity137 :: ('MESH:D064420', 'Disease') :: ['toxicity'] @entity1538 :: ('MESH:D005902', 'Disease') :: ['open-angle glaucoma'] @entity726 :: ('MESH:D005901', 'Disease') :: ['glaucoma'] @entity1939 :: ('MESH:D001766', 'Disease') :: ['blindness'] @entity2790 :: ('MESH:D009798', 'Disease') :: ['increased intraocular pressure'] @entity1781 :: ('MESH:D009901', 'Disease') :: ['optic neuropathy'] @entity179 :: ('MESH:D019636', 'Disease') :: ['neurodegenerative disease']
@entity726 :: (MESH:D005901,Disease) :: ['glaucoma']
