Agonist of growth hormone–releasing hormone enhances retinal ganglion cell protection induced by macrophages after optic nerve injury
Ling‐Ping Cen, Tsz Kin Ng, Jiajian Liang, Ciyan Xu, Xi Zhuang, Yufen Liu, Shao-Lang Chen, Yanxuan Xu, Qichen Yang, Xiang‐Ling Yuan, Yongjie Qin, Sun On Chan, Haoyu Chen, Mingzhi Zhang, Andrew V. Schally, Chi Pui Pang
Abstract
Significance Optic neuropathies, characterized by the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons, are leading causes of irreversible blindness and visual impairment, for which currently there is no effective treatment or cure. This study demonstrates that subcutaneous application of an agonist or antagonist of growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) reduces the degeneration of RGCs induced by optic nerve injury in rats. GHRH agonist further enhances the neuroprotective effect of macrophage activation on the survival of RGCs. Our findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of GHRH agonist for the protection of RGCs against optic neuropathies, including glaucoma, the world’s most common cause of irreversible blindness.